Oola & Stella Blog

Oola at Dry Creek

2009-11-27T19:17:00.001-07:00

Oola
Originally uploaded by Laertes

She is in a down-stay.

Oola Aging

2009-11-10T13:03:00.001-07:00

Oola Aging
Originally uploaded by Laertes

While still beautiful, Oola is increasingly white in the muzzle

I'm Going Someplace

2009-11-01T14:41:00.001-07:00

I'm Going Someplace
Originally uploaded by Laertes

Oola takes off for places unknown.

X-treme Resting

2009-10-25T10:37:00.001-07:00

X-treme Resting
Originally uploaded by Laertes

Stella takes her naps very seriously.

Agile Tripod

2009-07-17T14:01:00.001-07:00

Agile Tripod
Originally uploaded by Laertes

Stella incoming.

Audition for Shakespeare

2009-07-02T17:05:00.001-07:00

Audition for Shakespeare
Originally uploaded by Laertes

"Ms. Oola Montana, a Great Dane, sits comfortably with her owner, Jon Hurd, on the bench while waiting for her audition for two dogs to appear in the Colorado Shakespeare Festival's presentation of "The Two Gentlemen of Veron" in the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theater at the University of Colorado in Boulder, Colorado June 18, 2009. Four dogs will make the cut for the play, two main dogs and two under studies. CAMERA/Mark Leffingwell"

(Oola didn't make the cut.)

Two Legged Point

2009-07-01T14:13:00.001-07:00

Two Legged Point
Originally uploaded by Laertes

On the trail near Boulder, Colorado.

Hope

2009-03-30T07:07:00.001-07:00

Hope
Originally uploaded by Laertes

Stella has hope in a new administration.

Crab! What Crab?

2009-03-29T07:49:00.001-07:00

Crab! What Crab?
Originally uploaded by Laertes

On the beach of the Sea of Cortez, Baja, Mexico November 2007

You Looking at Me?

2009-03-28T15:31:00.001-07:00

You Looking at Me?
Originally uploaded by Laertes

Stella wondering why she needs to wake up.

I Don't Feel So Good

2006-10-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

I Don't Feel So Good
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola was sick for a few days -- something she ate we think. After an expensive visit to the vet and some constant attention she got better.

Comfort

2006-09-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

Comfort
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola likes to take a nap after her run and breakfast. Life is tough.

Flickr

2006-09-28T08:51:00.000-07:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

I'm Going To Get You!

2006-05-16T20:16:00.000-07:00

I'm Going To Get You!
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Having some springtime fun at Dry Creek.

Chase!

2006-04-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Chase!
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

At the Dry Creek Open Space, Boulder, Colorado.

Run Dog Run

2006-04-06T02:50:00.000-07:00

Run Dog Run
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella, a tripod Great Dane, can out-run any dog on the field.

Henry und Oola

2006-03-04T14:23:00.000-07:00

Henry und Oola
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

He's sweet, but I don't think he's my type.

Acting Like a Wild-Eyed Rabbit

2006-02-19T12:13:00.000-07:00

Wild-Eyed Rabbit
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella leaping like a rabbit in the snow at the Dry Creek Open Space.

Suited Up

2006-02-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Suited Up
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Sauntering along during my Saturday morning walk at the fun place.

Stella's Favorite Field

2006-01-29T10:13:00.000-07:00

Stella's Favorite Field
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

She loves to range around looking for things to smell, sticks to carry, and dogs to chase.

Balance

2006-01-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

Balance
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella was looking forward to a run this weekend after being in the house for a couple of days durin a snow storm. She's off to a good start.

Stella Therapy Poster

2006-01-10T06:55:00.000-07:00

Stella Therapy Poster
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella goes on therapy sessions once a week.

On the Trail with Mom

2006-01-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

On the Trail with Mom
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

The absolute best part of the day.

Flying Nun Dog

2006-01-04T17:26:00.000-07:00

Flying Nun Dog
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella on New Year's Day 2006 — living large.

On the Trail with Mom

2005-12-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

On the Trail with Mom
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola and Stella enjoy a morning walk with Mom at the favorite Dry Creek Trail.

Balancing for Combat

2005-12-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Balancing for Combat
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

We went for an early morning walk in the snow yesterday. It was cold, so the dogs wore their winter coats. They didn't seem to mind the weather and played as usual.

Waiting for Dinner

2005-11-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

Waiting for Dinner
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola was very interested in the preparations for Thanksgiving dinner this year. She spent most of the time looking over the back of the couch toward the kitchen.

She and Stella were well rewarded for their patience with lots of turkey scraps and gravy on their kibbles.

Early Morning Run Through the Tall Grass

2005-10-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

Early Morning Run Through the Tall Grass
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It's fall. The grass has turned brown. But it has been a glorious season with warm temperatures and clear skys.

The girls love it!

I Got My CGC

2005-09-20T17:30:00.000-07:00

I Got My CGC
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella earned her Canine Good Citizen Certificate today. Next week she starts her Therapy Dog Training course.

Camping in the Pawnee Grasslands

2005-09-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Watching
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

We went camping for the first time with Oola and Stella during the Labor Day weekend. It went very well, and the dogs behaved themselves admirably — they kept their composure even with rabbits and coyotes all around them.

On the Go Again

2005-09-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

On the Go Again
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

More zoomies at the Fun Place.

Bounding Through the Alfalfa

2005-08-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Bounding Through the Alfalfa
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola and Stella having fun at the "Fun Place" (Dry Creek Open Space).

This is MY Chair

2005-08-14T04:16:00.000-07:00

This is MY Chair
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola at rest in the office.

Stella Dreaming

2005-08-07T10:51:00.000-07:00

Stella Dreaming
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It's raining today so I'm just resting.

Oola Dreaming

2005-08-03T15:49:00.000-07:00

Oola Dreaming
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It's nice to just relax and dream on a hot summer day.

Relaxing

2005-07-24T19:59:00.000-07:00

Relaxing
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Taking a break at the 2005 Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue picnic in Denver, Colorado. (The temperature reached 100 degrees F.)

Feeling In The Pink Today

2005-07-20T09:19:00.000-07:00

Feeling In The Pink Today
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It has been hot lately, and Stella just wants to rest inside.

O.K. — So Maybe I'm Just a Little Worried

2005-06-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

O.K. — So Maybe I'm Just a Little Worried
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

A parting of ways on the trail at the Fun Place.

Our Dog Stella of the Pink Nose

2005-06-11T11:11:00.000-07:00

Our Dog Stella of the Pink Nose
Originally uploaded by Jerrie.

Jerrie's photo of Stella at the Fun Place this morning.

Our Dog Oola of the Sloppy Jowls

2005-06-11T11:07:00.000-07:00

Our Dog Oola of the Sloppy Jowls
Originally uploaded by Jerrie.

A very wet, slobbery Oola at the Fun Place this morning.

Stella Navigates the Tall Grass

2005-06-09T06:59:00.000-07:00

Stella Navigates the Tall Grass
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

One Flickr user commented on this photo: "Reminds me of a painting by Alex Colville."
I looked up Colville, a Canadian artist, on google and felt complemented.

Pillow

2005-05-26T19:48:00.000-07:00

Pillow
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola finds a soft place for her head. Stella doesn't seem to mind.

Early Morning Walk

2005-05-22T14:05:00.000-07:00

Early Morning Walk
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

...with Long's Peak in the background.

Eight Months Later

2005-05-16T15:08:00.000-07:00

Eight Months Later
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Pretty soon they won't be able to share the couch.

Early Morning Conversation

2005-05-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Early Morning Conversation
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It was a little chilly this morning, but Stella and Oola loved the visit to the "Fun Place."

Danes on TV

2005-05-03T16:47:00.000-07:00

Danes on TV
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Though not much of a TV watcher, Oola perked-up last night when Danes appeared on Animal Planet.

Down Time

2005-05-02T18:23:00.000-07:00

Down Time
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Resting after a run in the park.

Having Fun

2005-04-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

Having Fun
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella can keep up with, or run faster than, any dog around.

Still Watching the 'Hood.

2005-04-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Still Watching the 'Hood.
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It's a task that is taken very seriously.

Springtime Snowmelt

2005-04-17T16:37:00.000-07:00

Springtime Snowmelt
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Going for a stroll in the new spring run-off.

She's Got My Ear!

2005-04-11T14:22:00.000-07:00

She's Got My Ear!
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Mel and Stella hit it off.

Melanie meets the girls.

2005-04-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Melanie meets the girls.
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

I'm first! No, me I'm her favorite! No, me...

Melanie and Oola

2005-04-08T09:53:00.001-07:00

Melanie and Oola
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola loves her new friend and master character animator (Lord of the Rings, Toy Story 2, Shrek, Madagascar) â Melanie.

Melanie and Oola

2005-04-08T09:53:00.000-07:00

Melanie and Oola
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola loves her new friend and master character animator (Lord of the Rings, Toy Story 2, Shrek, Madagascar) â Melanie.

Playing in the New Spring Sun

2005-03-23T10:58:00.000-07:00

Playing in the New Spring Sun
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Playing in the field at the "Fun Place" by Baseline Reservoir.

Wild-eyed Nip

2005-03-20T17:41:00.000-07:00

Wild-eyed Nip
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It's all in good fun, of course, as Stella keeps Oola on the run.

Down, Stay

2005-03-17T19:19:00.000-07:00

Down, Stay
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Inbetween classes we try practicing our down - stay routine. It works most of the time.

Oola Snow Zoom

2005-03-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

Oola Snow Zoom
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola loves to run flat out in the new snow. She runs in ever widening circles until she has to collapse and rest.

Tail, Paws & Eye

2005-03-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

Tail, Paws & Eye
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella let me know that she wasn't happy about my absence the past few weeks -- but we soon made up.

Playing in the Park

2005-02-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Park Play 2
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella found a slipper in the park -- providing a great opportunity for play.

My New Puppy

2005-01-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

My New Puppy
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

We recently developed some film from last year and found this picture. Oola was about 10 weeks old and liked to be held. She now weighs over 120 pounds and likes to sit in your lap, if you let her.

Tripod Wins This Round

2005-01-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

Tripod wins This Round
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Playing in the snow this week, Stella manages to hold her own with the boistrous Oola.

Oola Dreaming

2005-01-09T13:35:00.000-07:00

Oola Dreaming
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Some say she is dreaming. Some say she is choosing some light reading. Whatever it is she is having a relaxing time.

Happy Solstice!

2004-12-24T11:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Solstice!
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Happy Solstice from Beast and Beauty. Oola will be one year old on 6 January 2005.

Snow Zooming

2004-12-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

Snow Zooming
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Stella makes like a rabbit as Oola leads the way.

Stella Modeling Her Snow Wrap 112904

2004-11-30T09:14:00.000-07:00

Stella Snow112904
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

"Yes Darling, I know I look tres chic, I just wish Manolo would hurry up with my booties!"

Say What You Feel

2004-11-29T12:03:00.000-07:00

Originally uploaded by jongbabe.

Thought this was funny...

Snow Dog

2004-11-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Snow Dog
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It's snowing hard today and Oola loves it!

Oola 112704

2004-11-27T13:17:00.000-07:00

Oola 112704
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola at ~10.5 months resting in the sunshine.

Oola and Stella Run 112304c

2004-11-23T19:32:00.000-07:00

Oola and Stella Run 112304c
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

They had a great time today, running flat-out in joyous abandon. Stella kept up with Oola during the entire outing.

Oola Snow Sit 112104

2004-11-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

It snowed last night so Oola got a chance to try out her new Chilly Dog Sweater. She liked the sweater, but was a little annoyed at having to sit in the snow.

Oola Snow Sit 112104
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

2004-11-13T12:08:00.000-07:00

Today Stella graduated from Beginner Obedience. She has perfect eye contact and, in my opinion, was the best dog in the class. We plan to get her CGC (Canine Good Citizen) degree in the spring, and then enroll her in a Therapy Dog course.

Stella relaxing in her spot of sunlight.

2004-11-03T17:26:00.000-07:00

Stella relaxing in her spot of sunlight.
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

It was cool this afternoon, so Stella found a patch of sunshine to relax in.

Nap time for Stella.

2004-10-24T19:52:00.000-07:00

Nap time for Stella.
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

After a very busy, zoomy morning, Stella catches a few zzz's next to my desk in the afternoon.

Oola checking on the 'hood 9-25-04

2004-10-04T18:24:00.000-07:00

Oola checking on the 'hood 9-25-04
Originally uploaded by Laertes.

Oola loves to look out of my office window.

2004-09-06T12:27:00.000-07:00

Introducing Stella— A 10 month old harlequin-colored Great Dane.

Stella is unique in many ways, from her beautiful brown/blue eyes, the patterns on her nose and lips, her happy tail...

Stella has a story. It is best told by Julie, of the Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue organization:

"Stella was owned by a backyard breeder out in Southwestern Colorado. She was allowed to be hit by a car. We were called about her 2 weeks after the accident. The owners were going to shoot her since she wasn't getting any better and lucky for Stella and everyone that meets her she was saved by a family member and taken to the local vet. Stella arrived at my home late on a Wednesday night with her little leg just hanging. She was in severe pain but her eyes and tail never stopped saying hi. Her tail is lethal by the way. Anyway, she was taken to the vet the next day(who came in on his day off) to examine her and review her x-rays. He also had the ortho vet and one other specialist look at the x-rays. They really wanted to save the leg but in the end there was just too much damage.

The x-rays were horrible. The femur was broke in several places, the hip ball was broke off and had fractures all in it, and the worst part was the femur had gone through her pelvis. Everyone in the medical community decided it was a miracle that she lived through all of that. The next day(Friday) she went into surgery to have the leg amputated and part of her pelvis too. It was a very long (3 1/2) hour surgery. I stayed with her the whole time. At one time her blood pressure dropped and we thought we were going to lose her but she rebounded.

Within 24 hrs she was home. She immediately jumped on the couch and claimed her spot. While she recovered her she made many friends. She went to my daughters classrooms to visit all the kids. For Stella this was the best part of her life. She loves kids so much and is so gentle with them for her being a puppy it truly is amazing. She also went to many public events to help raise money for herself and Faith. She is definitely the Social Butterfly of the Dane world. I don't think Stella has ever met someone she does not like. She won that title at the Gathering on Sat. But then Sunday she won "most likely to run away". She really was just going to visit the "new" people over at the next pavilion.

I did not know Jon and Jerrie were members of the GDR until Friday evening at Gail's house [at the Great Dane Gathering in Colorado Springs]. We were talking and realized that we knew each other. I was the one that had processed their application for adoption through RMGDRI. They immediately asked about Stella. Apparently they had been following her progress on our web page. I told them all about her and that I would bring her to Sat. event to meet them. As soon as they set eyes on each other I knew she was not coming home with me. I don't know who was more smitten, Oola, Jon, or Jerrie. She did come home with me on Saturday only to return on Sunday with a contract. I left the contract in the car hoping and sure enough Jon and Jerrie gave me the news right after we arrived. Stella never left their side. I truly believe in fate and that she was meant to be in their home. She has such a special soul. She definitely was meant to survive and bring joy to many people.

So that's Stella's story."

So, now Oola has a companion. They love to play together.

2004-08-30T19:12:00.000-07:00

Oola won Best in Show at the First Annual Great Dane Gathering in Colorado Springs in July. Here is what the judge said:

"I chose Oola for my BIS.

I love the ear carriage, nice dash and dare expression, lovely drop of chest and black mask. Lovely tight feet and a nice rise over the loin without presenting a dippy topline. reasonable length of neck without being throaty . looks as if presented in pristine condition.

Although only appearing to be a youngster seems to have everything in the right place at present. A promising youngster.

The other entries were all lovely exhibits and the job was a hard one. Thank you to everyone that took the time to post an entry.

Good Luck Oola."

2004-07-18T17:46:00.000-07:00

Six and one half months old, she stands about 27 inches at the shoulder and 36 inches to the top of her head

2004-07-11T15:51:00.000-07:00
She loves her couch time.

2004-07-05T12:24:00.000-07:00
Oola's parents:
Dam (Mother) - Savannah Dei-Cento-Scudi (from Italy)
Sire (Father) - Big Sky Danes High Roller (from Montana)

Oola was born in Bozeman, Montana on January 6, 2004.

Mom

Dad

2004-07-05T12:09:00.000-07:00
Oola was spayed last week. She came home with a Fentanyl pain management patch on one leg (blue) and an IV bandage on the other front leg (pink). She was fairly loopy for a couple of days but is recovering fast now with a 5 inch scar and some shaved areas to show for her experience--and minus all of her reproductive organs.

2004-06-28T07:23:00.000-07:00
Education
Oola has completed the following training courses:
- Puppy Preschool (May 8, 2004)
- Puppy Agility (June 19, 2004)
- Beginner Obedience (June 23, 2004)

She starts Advanced Beginner Obedience this Tuesday.

All classes were taught by the Boulder Valley Humane Society.

2004-06-21T14:59:00.000-07:00
Five and one half months:

2004-06-21T14:32:00.000-07:00
Fourteen weeks:

2004-05-06T14:00:00.000-07:00
Nine weeks.

2004-05-05T13:29:00.000-07:00
Born January 6, 2004 in Montana.