It takes a village

Hoekema Family
6 days ago
2 min read

Whether you are raising a child or a puppy, it takes a village.

Late nights, challenging moments, hard decisions ... it takes patience, dedication, passion but also moments that you allow yourself to pull support from every corner of your village that you have. A sister to lean on, a friend to feed you confidence, a 4 legged friend to sink your face into when things seem a bit much. 2 legged.. 4 legged.. family or friend, we learn to use our village to smooth the frayed edges.

Anya, my steadfast foot warmer, but really my grounding love. She is a huge part of my village.

My daughters offering emotional solstice, all 4, step up no questions asked.. what can we do.

Tonka, my nerve settler, my boy who demands regulation out of me to keep me centered.

My daughter who insists on caring for my pack when I need to be someplace else.

Isla who takes all vibrations and pulls them flat to harmonize everyone.

My pack... My village, pull together this week to pull off a family emergency with grace, power and determination.

Leia insists on pressing her forehead into my chest to regulate and balance my breathing.

Neema sat as close as possible to me to settle my nerves.

Pull from all corners.. accept help from every inch of your village. New pups or children of all ages require strings to be tightened, bonds to be re formed, and dedication to be re evaluated at every chance you have.

I try my best to educate, set up, offer resources, pass along reassurance, but from there... reach out to your village to help raise your new 4 legged golden fluff ball. Your confidence will soar, your skills will sharpen and your drive will strengthen.

I'm excited beyond belief to be part of your village as you enter into this next chapter of raising this new creature who is no doubt, no questions asked, going to change your life.

They will smooth your edges before you know they need to be smoothed, will regulate your nervous system before you lose focus and give back before you remotely need to ask.

Isla has been absolutely without a doubt confirmed on her pregnancy which is exciting beyond belief. Ultrasound photos aren't the clearest but do show quite a few babes on board. These photos don't show half of what I actually saw upon assessment but yes plenty of Isla pups are on the way! Leia is 10 days behind Isla so I hope to confirm her pregnancy as well before next week. Crossing my fingers for another big bushel!