HAY Pups 7 wks old - BERRY Pups 6 wks old - on the home stretch
- Hoekema Family
- Apr 19
- 3 min read
The time here with my Mini pack is on the home stretch. Selection visits for both litters have now been completed, and my heart is overflowing in the very best way. I know, without a doubt, that each of these precious babies has been thoughtfully matched with the families they were always meant to call their own.
Puppies were colored on for identification purposes... to begin with... then continued to be decorated just for fun! Such pretty babies!
Laps were warmed, hearts were melted, smiles stretched wide, and new chapters quietly began to write themselves. From rain and wind to gloriously warm and brilliant sunshine, nothing dampened the excitement or softened the magic of these special moments. Each family arrived with anticipation in their eyes, and almost instantly, you could see the shift — the moment curiosity turned into connection, and connection turned into something deeper.
Some puppies bounced from lap to lap like tiny social butterflies, confidently introducing themselves. Others quietly nestled in, resting their heads as if they had already decided, "Yes… this is home." There were soft whispers, laughter, happy tears, and those beautiful pauses where everyone simply soaked in the moment. It’s in those pauses that you see it — the beginning of lifelong bonds forming right before your eyes.
Children sat cross-legged on the ground, patiently waiting for puppies to crawl into their arms. Parents exchanged knowing smiles. Hands reached out gently, and tails wagged in return. The simplicity of it all — the purity of puppy love — never fails to take my breath away.
It never ceases to amaze me how naturally these matches unfold. Puppies choosing people, people falling head-over-heels in an instant, and those quiet, unmistakable moments when you just know… this is the one. No forcing, no second guessing — just hearts aligning exactly as they should. Watching these connections form is one of the greatest privileges of what I do, and it’s something I never take for granted.
Each of these little souls has been loved from the very beginning — nurtured, watched over, and guided through their earliest weeks of life. And now, seeing them step into the arms of their future families, I’m reminded once again why this journey is so incredibly meaningful. These aren’t just puppies preparing to go home… these are companions, confidants, and loyal hearts soon beginning their lifelong purpose.
As we move into these final weeks together, I’m soaking in every cuddle, every playful burst of energy, and every sleepy puppy pile. The sound of tiny paws, the gentle sighs during nap time, the curious exploring — all of it feels just a little more precious knowing how quickly this chapter is coming to a close.
This season is always bittersweet. My heart stretches in two directions at once — holding tight to the babies I’ve poured so much love into, while also feeling deep joy for the incredible lives waiting ahead for them. I know each one is soon heading toward a home filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures.
The Hay pups have 1 more week here and the BERRY pups will be here for 2 more wks so plenty more outdoor playtime will be had with the older dogs, more stroller outings, baths and swimming, more music, vaccuum and noise exposure and plenty more.
Soon I will begun a puppy empty nester once again. More time for my core pack, gardens, kiddos and grandson and maybe just maybe, a little downtime in between.
Sending out all our best to everyone, past, current and future puppy dreamers!
