In the blink of an eye I turn around and all my squishy squashers have turned into beautiful full fledged strong and confident big kids who are now all gone in a flash.
I have done it. I have completed a massive accomplishment of great magnitude. A feat that was indeed daunting. Their were many moments of having my patience tested and my sanity questioned. Babies demanding my attention all at the same time @ 5am in the morning made me... stronger. Sure, my nerves absolutely went a bit thin at times but really truly, the second one flopped it's little fluffy butt sideways and blinked slowly up at me, everything was simply forgotten. Yes poop was in cracks, in toes, on heads and each other at times but the beauty of it is, it all just gets washed away. Fur gets fluffed, toes get washed, towels get rotated and ok yes brothers get a talking to for pooping on their sister's heads. My time was definitely maxed but balance was found in this beautiful chaos. Because it truly was a beautiful experience. Would I do it again? Don't ask me that right now I say!
I was able to pull off my quality of care in a way that made me proud. I was dedicated to make it matter the very best I possibly could. Every baby got rotated through crates every meal as this is a huge part of my baby raising in my program. It builds a strong love for their space from day 1. Despite the 1.5 hrs 3x a day that it took, it was all worth it in the end. Not only did everyone get equal nutrients but every pup showed me something new while in the midst of this time. Who's patience needed extra attention, who's confidence needed guidance, who's communication needed redirected. Who was growing and learning on a slower path and who needed a talking to. Many chats were had as we took on one task at a time.
The journey from my wee potatoes to fluffy floppy unreal teddy bears is miraculous. Their growth rate astounds me constantly. I turn around and their legs are noticeably longer... ok maybe not Ivy's! That girl I think is going to be height challenged. Haa!
Then there's Play-doh and Tonka Jr. Who are going to be massive and thick and give his dad a strong run for the most dapper dudes around. Marc is right in the mix with them. G.I. Joe melted my heart at how hard he tried and how much progress he made. Chanel was a kick in the pants and I hope she learns to be good in her new home. Barbie was a heart stealer. Gumby was a sweetie, so was Gucci and Pogo and and & and. They all got the label of being sweet, confident at rates all their own and found their own ways to wiggle into my heart. (Wasn't hard)
My property trail got lots of stroller time which the pups throughly enjoyed and the walks were extremely helpful to not only conditioning in motion but to reset everyone. Field Trips were also had. My family dentist office in town loves when I bring the pups in to visit. Yes, my dentist also has one of my dogs. After bringing in pups so much, how could he not! He is eventually going to train her to be in to calm and soothe patients through their procedures.
Undeniably, the energy in the nursery was always high throughout this time. Learning is frustrating and hard and tests everyone. I found ways to bring this down at every chance I could. Music was played constantly to settle nerves and soothe souls. Extra playtime outside with Tonka or Neema also helped to break up the mix.
Alone time was wonderful for each litter to be out to get some much needed fresh air. The weather was challenging unfortunately being too cold at times or too wet and windy. We captured every window of time though to get out with someone. Many romps were enjoyed. The wind at one point ferociously picked my canopy tent up in the middle of the night, broke it in half and turned it on its head. Nothing that some duct tape and spare tent poles couldn't fix though.
There were some bumps along the way with my mamas that I had to tend to and alter my normal timeline of weaning and removing them. Their care and well being is just as high of a priority as these pups were. Feeding them enough to keep up with their nursing demands kept me on my toes in my kitchen. Cooking, preparing and figuring out the right balances of nutrition to take care of them was difficult at times as weight slowly declined. This all is normal but I just needed to adjust a bit. My vet team is wonderful though and with them by my side a plan was constructed, extra supplements were added and babies got weaned a bit early. I adjust for what is needed along the way for every single one of my pack. Fresh goats milk from a gracious local farmer was given and babes thrived. Mama got back on track quickly.
Tired eyes brightened and slow movement quickly turned into bouncy bodies before my eyes. Do the mamas miss their babies is a common question I get. Yes and no is the unclear clear answer. They adore what they do but instinctually they know how long they have them and when to let go. It's amazing to watch them in action. Between 3-6 wks. When they slowly all on their own spend more and more time outside and less and less time standing to let the crazy baby sharks attack their under carriage. Yes, they are ready to let go. The rest of my dogs are happy to have them back as well even though Tonka and Neema are completely content to run laps with just real other outside. All the dogs now are in one big giant shmosh romp pile turning and spinning with each other so fast I can't tell where one dog starts and the other one ends. I bend my knees a little extra, step against the fence and make sure I stay out of the way. Crazy entertainment!
As each family got their official match notifications, excited flew through the roof and some acceptance and trust took a bit longer to set in. I try to place each and every pup in the home that I see fits the very best. Taking into account where families hearts are lead. I absolutely try to fulfill all dreams and desires through this process. As each family set eyes on their match, I am grateful for this acceptance and thank every family for their trust that I have made a perfect match.
Arms extended, legs a bouncing, children laughing, tears of happiness were all in full force as families flooded in all week long on their very own Gotcha Day moment. Pups flew out duded out in their dapper and sweet handkerchiefs to celebrate this grand moment of new beginnings. These are the moments that make my heart explode knowing that all my hard work has paid off. Seeing eyes brighten once again, hearts and souls being filled up in an instant, and lives being changed forever. Their freshly bathed little fluffy faces steal hearts immediately. Some had hours to drive back, some only a short drive and some flew off with their new families on their very first flight back home.
I know without a doubt that each of these miraculous babes are exactly where they are supposed to be and will be doted and loved endlessly. My heart is full and content.
Here's just a few moments captured of the pups with their new familes on GOTCHA DAY
ok ok ok just a few more!
So now I snuggle into my official match, my Gucci girl from my Leia ‘Luxury’ litter. She is my very first keep back pup that I was able to raise from the start. I am hopeful she will be a future shining star here in my program that I will eventually be able to breed back to Tonka. For now, she absolutely is my shining star just to be able to keep her here with me. Her new name is Anya Bae. Both my Neema girl and my Anya girl mean Grace in different languages. Both have already graced me with their presence here. A mean fitting for being half-sisters. And really when you think of a golden, they are also ON YA constantly! Ha!!!
We shift gears, we shift focus. Back to my pack. Back to more attention to my own dogs and raising this new baby here with us all. I’ll have until the early spring now puppyless to give me time to assess and improve anything I need to to get ready for another round of pups to come. Of course I always look forward to blessing new families with these amazing miraculous pups but I am very much looking forward to the holidays, having a breather and enjoying my family a bit more this holiday season.
I send my love and all my best to all the ‘Plant’ babies, all the ‘Toy’ babies and all the ‘Luxury’ babies. Melt hearts my loves, soothe souls, comfort young ones, guide who needs attention, spread your golden glitter!, be good to your new cats, don’t eat too much grass please, try to remember everything I’ve taught you and try your very very best to do your very best in your new homes. Love like mad just as I have have loved you like mad here.
This amazing chapter is now closed. So bittersweet. Over and out everyone.
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