August 10, 2019-- Those who follow my Facebook page or Instagram @stylishcavies may remember that late 2018, my pointer dog tore his cruciate ligament. Some of you have been through this. Most of you probably have not. I'll let you in on the ugly truth: it's about $4000 to get a knee implant done for a large, active dog like my Oakley. We didn't have that sitting around. But I couldn't watch my dog's leg continue to atrophy, so I did a few things:
1) I prayed
2) I held a fundraiser auction and sold all my promising pups/show prospects and
3) applied for and was hired to teach for VIPKid, an online ESL tutoring company.
God blessed all of that and Oakley got his new knee! It was NOT easy. I was incredibly nervous applying for that job since I hadn't "worked" in over 10 years, I'm a home school mom. I had done 4 different Direct Sales businesses with varying degrees of success but mostly FAILURE; I'm not interested in sales at all. I just like a discount. I just want my friends getting the best prices. None of those businesses could pay for that surgery. I ran some numbers and would have needed to make about $20,000 in sales within 6 months in order to pay for the surgery before I got charged interest. Those of you who do or have done direct sales know that these are very very time consuming!
That wouldn't work. I still needed to teach my kids. I still had all my animal responsibilities.
And the normal household stuff.
But the VIPKid gig is the real deal.
Here's a link for more info, t.vipkid.com.cn/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=ea3ce15f48576791be71aa397ae9b4b0&refereeId=27132420
The surgery was totally paid off within 3 months and I only work 2-3 hours a day 5-6 days a week. Before my kids are awake (it's night in China when it's morning here). It didn't disturb our routine and I noticed I felt better about myself. That I could DO stuff.
And I realized that I'm getting old.
Ever since I could peek out the car window as a toddler, I wanted a horse. My mom always told me, "You can't have that wish, my little bear."
We were poor. Not the poor where you don't have a new iPhone. The poor where you have to ask your neighbor for a bucket of water to flush the toilet since your water was turned off.
(Side note: I'm thankful I grew up this way)
I found ways to get to be around horses for free and learned to ride without lessons. I volunteered at a national park in Maryland that had draft horses. It probably wasn't safe. But I didn't care. I worked at a summer camp in New York in their petting zoo and got to ride horses and ponies there in my free time. I knew that I would get a horse when I grew up.
And here I am. Grown up.
With our frequent relocation for my husband's job, very small children, and living on one income, it wasn't feasible to buy a horse before. Or even take lessons.
But my income is more than enough to cover it now.
Which brings me to my darling cavies. I've worked incredibly hard to develop and produce the most beautiful californian and himalayan texels. I love them. Seeing them gives me joy. And I adore my "cavy family" friends! I knew I could not actually use and enjoy a horse AND spend the appropriate amount of time with my cavies. I could only do one animal hobby. I spent 14 hours weekly on cavy chores and feeding alone. Approx. $400/month on supplies. Granted, I use expensive hay, top of the line feed and supplement with oats and split peas. I do give fresh treats. I clean 2x week. SO, yes, I COULD have cut back on cleanings or bought a cheaper feed. But I chose to not do that. I love my animals and invested too much of my life in them to put them on a back burner. I sold all of the breeding stock and kept my old-age animals and any piggies with defects. I arranged with a couple of the breeders who bought stock to get a boar pup back down the road so that I'll always be able to have a pet when the oldsters pass on. I've had cavies almost constantly for 29 years.
After the cavies sold, I bought my first horse! Her name is Reba and she's a 20 year old paint mare. I've never considered myself a paint person. Or a mare person. But she is a fun ride and is awesome with kids.
I wanted my kids to see that when they say, "When I grow up . . ." it isn't a lie I told myself. It's a promise I kept for myself.
I hope to get back into cavies when my children are older.
Thank you, cavy friends, for being part of my journey! I will see you again.
1) I prayed
2) I held a fundraiser auction and sold all my promising pups/show prospects and
3) applied for and was hired to teach for VIPKid, an online ESL tutoring company.
God blessed all of that and Oakley got his new knee! It was NOT easy. I was incredibly nervous applying for that job since I hadn't "worked" in over 10 years, I'm a home school mom. I had done 4 different Direct Sales businesses with varying degrees of success but mostly FAILURE; I'm not interested in sales at all. I just like a discount. I just want my friends getting the best prices. None of those businesses could pay for that surgery. I ran some numbers and would have needed to make about $20,000 in sales within 6 months in order to pay for the surgery before I got charged interest. Those of you who do or have done direct sales know that these are very very time consuming!
That wouldn't work. I still needed to teach my kids. I still had all my animal responsibilities.
And the normal household stuff.
But the VIPKid gig is the real deal.
Here's a link for more info, t.vipkid.com.cn/mkt/landing/personal?referralToken=ea3ce15f48576791be71aa397ae9b4b0&refereeId=27132420
The surgery was totally paid off within 3 months and I only work 2-3 hours a day 5-6 days a week. Before my kids are awake (it's night in China when it's morning here). It didn't disturb our routine and I noticed I felt better about myself. That I could DO stuff.
And I realized that I'm getting old.
Ever since I could peek out the car window as a toddler, I wanted a horse. My mom always told me, "You can't have that wish, my little bear."
We were poor. Not the poor where you don't have a new iPhone. The poor where you have to ask your neighbor for a bucket of water to flush the toilet since your water was turned off.
(Side note: I'm thankful I grew up this way)
I found ways to get to be around horses for free and learned to ride without lessons. I volunteered at a national park in Maryland that had draft horses. It probably wasn't safe. But I didn't care. I worked at a summer camp in New York in their petting zoo and got to ride horses and ponies there in my free time. I knew that I would get a horse when I grew up.
And here I am. Grown up.
With our frequent relocation for my husband's job, very small children, and living on one income, it wasn't feasible to buy a horse before. Or even take lessons.
But my income is more than enough to cover it now.
Which brings me to my darling cavies. I've worked incredibly hard to develop and produce the most beautiful californian and himalayan texels. I love them. Seeing them gives me joy. And I adore my "cavy family" friends! I knew I could not actually use and enjoy a horse AND spend the appropriate amount of time with my cavies. I could only do one animal hobby. I spent 14 hours weekly on cavy chores and feeding alone. Approx. $400/month on supplies. Granted, I use expensive hay, top of the line feed and supplement with oats and split peas. I do give fresh treats. I clean 2x week. SO, yes, I COULD have cut back on cleanings or bought a cheaper feed. But I chose to not do that. I love my animals and invested too much of my life in them to put them on a back burner. I sold all of the breeding stock and kept my old-age animals and any piggies with defects. I arranged with a couple of the breeders who bought stock to get a boar pup back down the road so that I'll always be able to have a pet when the oldsters pass on. I've had cavies almost constantly for 29 years.
After the cavies sold, I bought my first horse! Her name is Reba and she's a 20 year old paint mare. I've never considered myself a paint person. Or a mare person. But she is a fun ride and is awesome with kids.
I wanted my kids to see that when they say, "When I grow up . . ." it isn't a lie I told myself. It's a promise I kept for myself.
I hope to get back into cavies when my children are older.
Thank you, cavy friends, for being part of my journey! I will see you again.
7/31/18--Still here! Just haven't had a ton of extra computer time but *check this out* I have fast internet again! Weeeeeee! I can use Weebly without the editor timing out. Stylish Cavies is still working on the most exquisite Californian and Himalayan texels. We went from shorthaired Californian piggies to developing the correct curly coat and lobby body type associated with the texel. This took years, guys. But if you want something, you work hard for it and don't give up.
6/2/14--So, I've been using Facebook!
Most of my updates end up on the "Stylish Cavies" Facebook page. Which means that this page looks as if I haven't done anything in ages. Trust me--we have. Last month we went to a show in Columbia, SC. Picked up a texel grand champion leg or two (will know when reports come) and more happily, was given great comments on my himalayan texels. Since my last update back in September, we've done fairly well at shows. I even got my first registered himalayan texel! Icing on the cake was getting a grand champion leg the show he was registered at. My first himi texel to get a GC leg by going Best of Breed. They are a difficult project and seeing these improvements makes me happy. We also sent two himi texels to Thailand and plan on sending a few to Indonesia later in the year. At the ARBA convention last fall, I was awarded the ACBA Membership Committee award for most membership referrals. Thank YOU for helping make that possible! Another North Carolina Cavy Breeder's Association member, Margo Purdy, was recognized as being ACBA's newest Master Breeder. She joins Denise Talbott and Lisa Cohen in the ranks of NCCBA master breeders! A distinguished honor, indeed :) Another NCCBA member recognized was Peg Hailey, who was given a special award by the host club. I really can't say enough good about NCCBA. Great people in this club! As it approaches summer, we are cautiously pairing a handful of sows so that if things heat up too much, they can come indoors. Mostly , breedings are on hold for summer. The ones planned are either for our roan determination project (to determine whether the himalayan texels are actually roan--long story) or for our limited summer/fall show string.
Most of my updates end up on the "Stylish Cavies" Facebook page. Which means that this page looks as if I haven't done anything in ages. Trust me--we have. Last month we went to a show in Columbia, SC. Picked up a texel grand champion leg or two (will know when reports come) and more happily, was given great comments on my himalayan texels. Since my last update back in September, we've done fairly well at shows. I even got my first registered himalayan texel! Icing on the cake was getting a grand champion leg the show he was registered at. My first himi texel to get a GC leg by going Best of Breed. They are a difficult project and seeing these improvements makes me happy. We also sent two himi texels to Thailand and plan on sending a few to Indonesia later in the year. At the ARBA convention last fall, I was awarded the ACBA Membership Committee award for most membership referrals. Thank YOU for helping make that possible! Another North Carolina Cavy Breeder's Association member, Margo Purdy, was recognized as being ACBA's newest Master Breeder. She joins Denise Talbott and Lisa Cohen in the ranks of NCCBA master breeders! A distinguished honor, indeed :) Another NCCBA member recognized was Peg Hailey, who was given a special award by the host club. I really can't say enough good about NCCBA. Great people in this club! As it approaches summer, we are cautiously pairing a handful of sows so that if things heat up too much, they can come indoors. Mostly , breedings are on hold for summer. The ones planned are either for our roan determination project (to determine whether the himalayan texels are actually roan--long story) or for our limited summer/fall show string.
9/18/13--ARBA Convention Harrisburg, PA
I made a list of for sale animals that I can bring to Convention and it's on my Facebook "Stylish Cavies" page :) To the left is a recycled/repurposed cardboard bus NOW hay holder/toy for the babies. Below is our piggy poo/old hay/compost pile growing a watermelon?! how's that for hipster? :-)
7/5/13--Updates:
Well, obviously we moved again. We're Tarheels now! At least until we move again :) I updated the Sales page only to notice that I'd never put a picture of my litter of 3 himi mm texel boars. Oops. Their picture on the Sales page is the most current. Other than that, some himi peruvians due soon. Americans after that. Hopefully texels, agouti peruvians and more texels closer to September. If you are looking for a short coated cavy, several of my friends will have some available or have them right now between NC and NJ.
1/3/13--Updated Nursery Page
Moved all of the 2012 litter photos to 2012 Nursery gallery. If you bought one of my piggies from a 2012 litter and either lost the pedigree or bought it from another person and need the birthdate/pedigree looked up, I always keep hard copies as well as database backups for pedigrees. Email me and I can look it up for you!
1/1/13--Happy New Year!
A New Year's Eve litter and a New year's Day litter. Healthy texels. What could be better!?
12/29/12--Barter Alert! Looking for a Corn Sheller and/or Grinder
I'm looking for a hand operated corn sheller and grinder Like this: http://www.pleasanthillgrain.com/corn_sheller_hand_operated_crank_manual_antique_walnut_stationary.aspx or This http://www.karenmarieimages.com/Landscapes/Farms/15877824_gqGXxb/1477703903_KX4VHzz#!i=1477703903&k=KX4VHzz and will trade for GOOD, WORKING items either a himalayan peruvian or texel boar or two broken colored texel boars. If you can trade both the grinder and the sheller, I could make it a breeding pair of either texels or peruvians.
12/15/12--Christmas time! Caviary visits on hold.
On 12/8/12, we attended the Richmond Rabbit Breeders Association double cavy show here in Virginia. The only piggies we took were juniors (under 23 oz.) and of those, we won a lot of "Best of Variety" wins. No, I didn't get any pictures. I was writing the entire show. So THANK YOU to everyone who helped get our animals on and off the tables!
What we did end out bringing home (although we didn't know right away) were =colds=. Yuck. Nothing on the website was updated until today because I couldn't fiddle with baby pigs while I was sick. Even cleaning cages involved wearing gloves and a scarf so I didn't share my illness. To that point, if you are coming over to pick up piggies between now and spring, I'm sorry, but the caviary is in cold/flu season lockdown and there will be no visits in there. We'll bring the pigs to the living room instead. With all my sweet baby piggies so young, I can't risk their health and I know you understand. I DO have photos on my website of the basic caviary set up. We've moved since I took those, but the caging is all the same, just rearranged.
What we did end out bringing home (although we didn't know right away) were =colds=. Yuck. Nothing on the website was updated until today because I couldn't fiddle with baby pigs while I was sick. Even cleaning cages involved wearing gloves and a scarf so I didn't share my illness. To that point, if you are coming over to pick up piggies between now and spring, I'm sorry, but the caviary is in cold/flu season lockdown and there will be no visits in there. We'll bring the pigs to the living room instead. With all my sweet baby piggies so young, I can't risk their health and I know you understand. I DO have photos on my website of the basic caviary set up. We've moved since I took those, but the caging is all the same, just rearranged.
10/31/12--American Rabbit Breeders Assoc. 2012 National Convention, Wichita, Kansas
After dire warnings that some of the more 'rare' breeds (Peruvian Satin) and varieties (like Himalayan) were in danger of being removed from the ARBA "Standard of Perfection" and thus being removed from show eligibility, we decided to send piggies to Kansas to help the cause! For better or worse, my personal show pigs' coats didn't do very well over our move and summer and so the only entries we had were 4 youth entries for my daughter. Of those for pigs she won . . .
*Youth Best of Breed & Variety Peruvian (a silver agouti)
*Youth Best of Breed & Variety Peruvian Satin (a lilac base agouti)
*Youth Best Opposite Sex of Breed/Best Opp. Variety Texel (TSW)
*Youth Best of Variety Texel (Himalayan)
Hurray! We would like to especially thank our friends at Little Squeaks Caviary for toting our hairy pigs out there, grooming them, caring for them, and for the regular updates. Congratulations are also in order to Little Squeaks for a well deserved Best of Variety in TSW teddies! For those who don't show, teddies are a highly competitive breed.
And we've sold all of our silkies! This decision was made with a lot of thought. They were primarily my daughter's and she prefers the Americans--which is great with me. The ones she got have excellent temperaments and have done well for her.
*Youth Best of Breed & Variety Peruvian (a silver agouti)
*Youth Best of Breed & Variety Peruvian Satin (a lilac base agouti)
*Youth Best Opposite Sex of Breed/Best Opp. Variety Texel (TSW)
*Youth Best of Variety Texel (Himalayan)
Hurray! We would like to especially thank our friends at Little Squeaks Caviary for toting our hairy pigs out there, grooming them, caring for them, and for the regular updates. Congratulations are also in order to Little Squeaks for a well deserved Best of Variety in TSW teddies! For those who don't show, teddies are a highly competitive breed.
And we've sold all of our silkies! This decision was made with a lot of thought. They were primarily my daughter's and she prefers the Americans--which is great with me. The ones she got have excellent temperaments and have done well for her.
10/10/12--Updated some things on Website
Updated a couple of 2012 show pigtures. Added a new link and deleted a couple others. Our first American pups are due any time now. We expect beautiful creams, all full pedigrees from the Talbot-Mong line. LOTS of piggies in breeding but nothing looks pregnant yet :-/. And we're sending 4 youth entries to ARBA convention in Kansas this year. 1 Peruvian (Agouti), 1 Peruvian Satin (Agouti), and 2 Texels (TSW & himi).
8/1/12--Move 'em out, 'lil piggies!
We've moved with all our critters to Northern VA. Let me tell you, no small amount of planning is needed to get an entire caviary plus the handful of rabbits and 2 dogs into their new digs. Since it was in the 100s during our move, we had to wait until late night to make the trip so that the pigs wouldn't overheat if we had to stop for anything. None of them got sick but a couple of my show piggies got badly matted or chewed furnishings while I was at a dog show the week after we got in the new house. Pet sitter didn't groom or give hay--ERRRUGHHHH. New pet sitter TBD. So, Colonel Brandon the TSW texel got a trim and a wifey . . . as did Avalanche the himi peruvian. Good for them. Buffy, Slipper and Fabio hate me. I'm still de matting the others and will hopefully have some with hair for the shows in September. *sigh* And a bunch of piggies got paired up. There are some unproven boars in the mix and it will be October-December before we have available pups after I take my picks. Delivery to RRBA show December 8th. Possible ARBA Convention (Kansas) delivery in October.
If you are looking for piggies in NoVa sooner, try Little Squeaks Caviary.
If you are looking for piggies in NoVa sooner, try Little Squeaks Caviary.
7/3/12--Christmas Special 2012
If you purchase 2 cavies from us in December, we'll give you a 1 year, single membership with the American Cavy Breeders Association! This isn't only for breeders: they have an excellent magazine and guide book. There are members who have raised cavies for 30+ years and are a wealth of knowledge. If I get stumped with something, I ask my mentors. There's always something new to learn! Membership also gives you access to their exclusive Facebook and Yahoo groups. If you decide to show your cavies and want to participate in national ranking, ACBA membership allows you to sign up for their free sweepstakes point program. If your piggy family is already complete, you can still join ACBA on your own. Visit their website, http://www.acbaonline.com for details. Please put my name in the referral box.
5/25/12--Fall and Winter Breedings/Waitlist
We are planning to show several varieties of texels in the winter/spring and will put together breeding pairs based on what we feel will produce what we want to keep. That said, there will probably be extra pups for sale. If you are interested in a specific color (can't promise genders but will keep your preferences in mind) from the planned breedings, review my wait list policy. Shipping is possible in the cooler months via Continental or American Air, temperatures permitting. 48 continental states unless the flight overseas is less than a day and without layovers. Colors we anticipate:
*Texels in SELF BLACK, SELF RED, TSW, HIMALAYAN, BROKEN COLORS (intense), possibly roan boars.
*Peruvians in GOLDEN AGOUTI, SILVER AGOUTI, DILUTE AGOUTI
*Silkies in INTENSE BROKEN COLORS and TSW
***Update 6/10/12: Preference of rare varieties for breeding trios will be given to show/breeding homes who will get stock to ARBA Convention 2013 in PA!!!*** That would be the himalayans (AOM Texels), selfs (texel), satin peruvians if they pop up and any roan texels.
*Texels in SELF BLACK, SELF RED, TSW, HIMALAYAN, BROKEN COLORS (intense), possibly roan boars.
*Peruvians in GOLDEN AGOUTI, SILVER AGOUTI, DILUTE AGOUTI
*Silkies in INTENSE BROKEN COLORS and TSW
***Update 6/10/12: Preference of rare varieties for breeding trios will be given to show/breeding homes who will get stock to ARBA Convention 2013 in PA!!!*** That would be the himalayans (AOM Texels), selfs (texel), satin peruvians if they pop up and any roan texels.
5/7/12--News and stuff
1st--several gorgeous boars still available and whatever isn't sold soon is going up to the piggy show in PA with us on the 19th. 2nd--As fate would have it, I'm getting some pregnant texel sows, so my plans to not have summer litters got tossed. There will be babies available after the breeders of these piggies have gotten to look them over. We are excited about our new family members. 3rd--the cavy show is ON for Richmond, VA, this December 8th! I encourage my cavy friends to come. 4th--Remember: with weather heating up, do not put your piggies in outdoor exercise pens unless they have proper shade and access to water. If your piggies are in a garage or a room that doesn't cool easily (like upstairs rooms or apartments), make sure they have an ice pack to keep them cool during the hot parts of the day. A cool ceramic tile is also a good idea. They can not open cage and walk down to the fridge for a cool drink. Be sensitive to their needs. Heat kills animals (and humans).
2/9/12--Cleaned up nursery page!
And printed out 22 pages of information for my hard copy in case the pedigree software fails me. :) Hope this is easier to load and navigate. And less confusing. Only piggies on the Sales page are currently for sale or pending sale.
2012 Show Schedule
Stylish Cavies will only be at a few shows this spring season due to family obligations and dog shows. We'll be at the Greensboro, NC, shows in March and if there's a VA show, we'll be there. The MD shows conflict with other events for us :( We will NOT be at PaSRBA. The MACBA Classic shows in May are still undecided for us. If you need a transport for one of the piggies, we could arrange it for the cost of travel.
12/10/11--Cavy Show in Richmond, Virginia
Be there or be square! See http://www.richmondrba.com for details.
We have a non-cavy show brag that our Canaan Dog won 2 group placements and [we think] her UKC championship! Yippie! She is also AKC pointed.
We have a non-cavy show brag that our Canaan Dog won 2 group placements and [we think] her UKC championship! Yippie! She is also AKC pointed.
Fall Pairings for Winter Litters--Updated 11/16/11
Cavies cycle roughly every 2 weeks but may not necessarily breed within the first month or two of being together. Or at all. These are just what have been paired and we hope for the best! :) I plan to keep at least 6 to show this spring and usually keep sows. We should be able to put together a couple of breeding trios or pairs in texels. Showable boars very likely. Pet boars--ALWAYS. Names of the pigs and what colors I anticipate . . .
11/16/11--I updated this list as a few of the breeding didn't "take" and I sold a couple of sows. These litters are due late November 2011 through late January 2012. Sorry, I can not promise specific litters available for specific dates (birthdays, holidays, etc). These are living creatures, not robots. I will not remove babies from their mommies until 4 weeks of age. Also, since I will NOT NOT NOT have any litters here during the summer, there will be one more round of breedings for spring litters and that IT until late fall/winter 2012 except perhaps another litter of teddies.
Texel:
Silkie:
Peruvian:
11/16/11--I updated this list as a few of the breeding didn't "take" and I sold a couple of sows. These litters are due late November 2011 through late January 2012. Sorry, I can not promise specific litters available for specific dates (birthdays, holidays, etc). These are living creatures, not robots. I will not remove babies from their mommies until 4 weeks of age. Also, since I will NOT NOT NOT have any litters here during the summer, there will be one more round of breedings for spring litters and that IT until late fall/winter 2012 except perhaps another litter of teddies.
Texel:
- Bo & Fame* --> cream & white, red & white (not sure if she took, so I put her with 2 GC leg winning "Red" 11/28/11)
- Bo & Angelina** --> cream & white, red & white
- Bo & American Girl* --> TSW, black & white
- Richard* & Giselle --> Himalayans
- Mr. Darcy* & Phenom** --> TSW
- Mr. Darcy & Polly Pocket* --> broken colors (early spring)
- Mr. Darcy & Rosie --> TSW
- Baron & Ashley*-->self red or black (early spring)
Silkie:
- Sonic & Tinkerbell --> self white regular and satin silkies and peruvians (Valentine's Day) *confirmed*
Peruvian:
- "Lou"* & Elektra --> silver, gold and possibly dilute agouti peruvians (Valentine's Day)
8/29/11--Pending Deletion
In September, I will delete most of my "Nursery" page since it takes so long to load. I'm still trying to decide if I want a little gallery for past litters or not.
8/25/11--I have decided which piggies I'm pairing for winter litters so that I have spring show piggies as well as perhaps a few extras for sale. Read my sales policy and wait list policy before asking to be placed on the waiting list. I require a deposit to hold any piggies.
12/11/10-->NEW PIGGIES ARE HERE<--
Shipping in THE PIG!Next month, we're bringing 2009 ARBA BEST OF BREED Texel, "Cavies Rock Beauregard" home to Stylish Cavies! Bo was bred at Cavies Rock caviary and shown to his prestigious win by Jackie Grisafi, Cutie Pie Acres. Bo is a full brother to one of my foundation texels who passed away this past spring, Christine. I can't wait to have Bo here for spoiling. http://www.angelfire.com/ct3/cutiepieacres/guineaboys.htmlweeblylink_new_window is the CPA page with Bo's info. This photo is from Jackie's website and is not mine. Gorgeous, isn't he?! I'll get more pics of Bo when he arrives but he's now in breeding coat. We're also adding a pair of himi texels to see if we can produce some showable marked piggies as well as a trio of abyssinians. I admit, the abys are sort of impulse on my part. I had abys 21 years ago and have one 5 year old sow. Why not? Pics of the Abys are also property of Jackie Grisafi, CPA. The abys will produce roan abys and go back to Jelly Bean Caviary stock.
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