"Here we are at 7 weeks old, the "All Things Hoped For" puppies of Hemi & Treasure!!"
We are two weeks away and counting from the first day of the rest of their lives. Soon everything will change for Comet, Cupid, Donna, Dasher, Buck, Holly, Hope, and Chris. Actually, every day of their young life has been in anticipation and preparation of that very special occasion. There truly is much joy in this journey and there is also much work with, when everything is said and done, is a labor of love. All for the love of the dog, both given and received.
I've surely been on the receiving of so much puppy love this past week. One afternoon when it was snowing I just felt the sudden urge to sit in the middle of the open ended whelping box. Why not?! The pups were certainly well pleased even if just a bit shocked to find me join them. Spreading a fresh clean blanket over the floor of their whelping box carpet I carefully climbed in and sat in the corner. It brought me back to a time when I was but a child and use to do this with the Boston Terrier puppies that my parents bred. Soon, there were 8 happy, tired, cuddly and warm, very sweet puppies finding a comfortable place to lay their head. Treasure did a drive by, looked at me like I was nuts then happily jumped up on the couch and took a nap.
One by one each puppy found its way into my arms. I took turns with them, one by one, talking softly. Oh how they love to be told they are 'gooooooooood, goooooooood, puppies'. Getting to know them has been pure delight. They are very much alike while at the same time being very much unique in their own right. As it should be. As it is with all puppy litters.
Once again I thought about how I have now held in my arms 3 generations of our own Brittanys as breeders of both parents and beyond. I can remember the whelping of Hemi, Treasure, and Pippin as if it was yesterday. Time goes by very quickly.
This video affords a brief glimpse into the highly energetic world of "All Things Hoped For". It's one of the many recesses that they have daily. They are enjoying their playground. Many transitions have taken place in the puppy cave, an area which doubles and triples in purpose frequently. We're in the most challenging development stage of all for the pups.
Because of the frigid temps these pups have not been outdoors very much. But they have enjoyed their mini-excursions outside of their puppy world. They have also enjoyed the steady flow of visitors from family, friends, and their new families. Our challenge is to daily find new ways to expand their horizons and that is not always easy. Today I was so happy to see John bring the culvert into the puppy playpen. The puppies were even happier!
Yes. I am tired. Yes. John is tired. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Having puppies in the winter helps keep cabin fever and Seasonal Affective Disorder at bay. There are days they have been my very reason for getting up in the morning. And when I am with them, tucked away in this world that revolves around their every need time truly stands still.
Treasure is also tired but she's still very attentive to her babies. They respect her and will no longer approach her to nurse. They are eating solid food and she has all but weaned them herself. She enjoys taking a toy out of the toy basket and bringing it to her pups. When I took each puppy outdoors one by one, she stayed close and kept a watchful eye on what was going on all around us.
Anytime I take a video or try to capture puppy photos the chances are good not all of them will be part of the shoot. Such as the case in this video. Some of the cast of characters really stand out, and those that usually are front and center may be found dozing or off to the side watching.
Dozing... that's what I'm starting to do. It's been awhile since I have fallen asleep writing at the keyboard my head dropping forward. But I'm close to that tonight. So much more to say but for now I'm going to call it a day. It's 10 pm on a Saturday night. And I am head over heels in love. And they call it puppy love...
Take care and God bless you always, John, Ann and All Things Brittany
No comments:
Post a Comment
We'd love to hear from you!