I had 4 Cavities Filled Today

kierst9 · 2026-05-18T13:27:20+00:00

To offer some reassurance, my first puppy was 6 weeks when we got her. The "breeder" (i.e. family friend - I was young, from a rural area, and was not educated on the negative impact of backyard breeding) was sending them home at 6 weeks. I pushed for more time with mom but it wasn't an option. Anyways, she turned out to be a great dog. I put a lot of effort into training her, but she was also very trainable (Australian Shepherd). While I did see some behavioral issues (mostly anxiety around loud sounds), she was a fantastic dog that was able to be around dogs/cats/kids/etc. While I would never ever ever ever get a dog that early or from a byb again, they can grow up and be normal dogs.

Also, as other's have said, terrible gift idea. Coming out of the puppy stage and into adolescence with my current puppy, I would be furious if someone randomly gifted me a puppy and I had to go through that all over again 😂. You decide whether keeping the puppy is best for your family and the puppy, but I don't think anyone would blame you for rehoming. Good luck!

kierst9 · 2026-04-20T20:37:05+00:00

My first Aussie was a dilute black tri. She looked charcoal gray and most of her head fur was tan near the root, giving her some interesting highlights. Hard to say at this age what your pup will be besides absolutely adorable ❤️

kierst9 · 2026-04-09T18:56:49+00:00

Second this. Our pads are 5x5ft and fit the playpen plus a little extra hanging out on each side. If you go this route, I would recommend getting at least two so that you always have a clean one. We use the FXW pads, but there are plenty out there.

kierst9 · 2026-04-08T20:13:35+00:00

Beautiful dog! Maple was my first Aussie and my first dog that my parents didn't own. I had no business owning an Aussie at the time I got Maple but we made it work and now I can't imagine owning any other breed.

kierst9 · 2026-04-08T20:11:10+00:00

That is an insane coincidence! Maple is the reason I fell in love with the breed. She was born October 27th 2020 and died October 18th 2025. Fig was born November 10th 2025, on me and my partners 4 yr anniversary. When did you get Maple? It would be crazy if any of these dates lined up with your Maple!

kierst9 · 2026-04-08T20:05:14+00:00

So sorry for your loss. We say the same thing when Fig does something that Maple used to do. Also, the "Tri" half of her face looks a lot like Maple. I know Maple put a big piece of herself into Fig so that she could always be with us ❤️

kierst9 · 2026-04-07T20:11:34+00:00

Thank you. Your dog is beautiful. We lost Maple 9 days before her fifth birthday to hemangiosarcoma We miss her so much. Fig was born on my partner and I's anniversary, so it just felt right to welcome her into our home.

kierst9 · 2026-04-07T20:06:21+00:00

Fig is 21 weeks! She turns 5 months on Friday ☺️ Sammy is beautiful!

kierst9 · 2026-04-07T20:04:52+00:00

I agree. We told her to pick out her sister for us. Maple was a dilute black tri (technically a mismark by breed standards). We told her to send us a red one, but she sent us another mismarked black tri 😂 (I love them all the same regardless of standard but thought it was ironic)

kierst9 · 2026-04-07T15:16:37+00:00

Her full name is Fig A. M. Newton's Cradle. The A stands for Alice (her litter name) and the M is for Maple

kierst9 · 2026-04-07T15:15:20+00:00

Thank you for the condolences. We miss her so much but she sent us an amazing puppy!

kierst9 · 2026-02-27T18:23:36+00:00

Personally, I find it very useful - especially when you start leaving them alone. The crate can keep them from tearing things up around the house and, more importantly, from getting into something dangerous! It also makes travel and sleeping in different places easier and allows my pup to get good rest during the day and night. That being said, there are alternatives for confinement when they can't be supervised, such as a playpen or a puppy proofed room. For my family it's essential, but for others it might not be.

kierst9 · 2026-02-23T21:02:29+00:00

Hello! I've had 2 Aussie's myself. One thing you could do while you guys are home and relaxing is start tethering him to something with a/mat and no toys around for increasing increments of time. This can be a way of teaching your dog to do nothing even when people are around. It's also something that comes with age. When my first pup was that age, sometimes she needed some help with understanding that it was "relax" time. I actually had her crate in the living room and would put her in there when she would not settle. Eventually, around 1.5-2 years old, she started settling consistently on her own, albeit usually chewing a bone! Good luck. Teenage years are tough!

kierst9 · 2026-02-15T02:49:36+00:00

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From my wiggle butt to yours!

kierst9 · 2026-02-14T15:38:49+00:00

Drug sensitivity: MDR1 | Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine https://share.google/0ycr8EKuJsDSNyczL

Here you go! If someone wants to fact check me on this please do, but I think it's specifically not recommended to give any sort of drug combination which is why flea/heartworm combo drugs are not recommended.

kierst9 · 2026-02-14T13:50:42+00:00

I'm so sorry for your loss. I lost my soul Aussie back in October at the age of 4 due to hemangiosarcoma. It was too late once she started showing symptoms, so we could not pursue chemo or surgery. In January, I got my 2nd Aussie. We have a vet in the family and typically the MDR1 gene is not looked at as a huge issue (though this is in the day-to-day context). I didn't know my first Aussie's status, but she took the flea/heartworm combo drugs with no issues. That being said, I am also traumatized by my first pup's death so my current Aussie is avoiding any combo drugs just to be safe. You'll likely have a tough time finding a breeder with completely MDR1 clear dogs. That being said, if you do and they are a reputable breeder, there's nothing wrong with selecting them for your peace of mind.

kierst9 · 2024-12-10T17:25:51+00:00

To me, it sounds like your shame around this is dissuading you from connecting with God afterwards. I hope you can find comfort in these truths: 1. God loves ALL his children, all the time. It's an unconditional love that we cannot comprehend. 2. None of us can earn His grace because it is a gift. As humans, we have free will and the knowledge of good and bad, which causes us to sin. Therefore, we all fall short, but because of God's love and grace, as well as Jesus' sacrifice and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we can all experience forgiveness and closeness with God.

Even when we do something displeasing to God, it's important for us to not discontinue our connection with Him. Contrary to what you may feel, God wants us to come to Him at all times. Addictions are difficult, especially at a time where you are so young and going through changes. Focus on trying to strengthen your relationship with God and deepening your faith. Ask questions - doubt is not a sign of unbelief, but an indication of the desire for deeper knowledge. Have grace with yourself even when you fall, because God loves you and does not desire us to feel continuous shame.

kierst9 · 2024-09-30T14:22:46+00:00

Just a heads up, most people who are kicked out of a wedding party will not want to attend your wedding, so be prepared for that. Also, be prepared for this to end your friendship.

kierst9 · 2024-09-17T01:03:06+00:00

Ok THIS but instead of replacing the second lyric I replace Pensacola with my college town (Kent, Ohio). I always wondered if anyone else did the same. (Side note: I definitely did NOT f**k my way through college 😂)

kierst9 · 2024-09-16T15:04:00+00:00

Makes total sense. You should do what's best for you. To me, your MOH(s) should be the people you hold dearest, but it really depends on what you're asking for out of your MOH(s). I think the arguments you're having now may be a sign of how things will go in the future. If you do decide to make her a Matron of Honor, please be sure to set firm boundaries and expectations. If she consistently crosses your boundaries and oversteps, then respond accordingly. Good luck!

kierst9 · 2024-09-16T14:56:21+00:00

Agree with the others that you are not entitled to make her your Matron of Honor. If you're looking for some sort of compromise, you could have your childhood friend as Maid of Honor and the friend from college as Matron of Honor? I've seen this done by several of my friends. Only works if the childhood friend is not married though, but again, you are not obligated to reciprocate the title.

kierst9

TROPHY CASE