Officially on Puppy Watch
Well, folks… we've officially moved beyond the puppy countdown and into PUPPY WATCH!
Isla isn't technically due until Thursday, and she could very well decide to keep those precious babes tucked away until next Sunday, BUT… she could just as easily surprise us and decide earlier this week is the perfect time to make her grand entrance of her wee ones here.
She has gotten exponentially bigger from last week to this week so I am thrilled beyond thrilled that I am going to be able to bless more than a handful of families this go round.
So here we are… watching, waiting, preparing, and trying not to let our eagerness get the best of us.
I wish I could tell you I was simply kicking back, soaking in the anticipation, and basking in the excitement of the wait right alongside you all.
But anyone who knows how things operate around here knows that's just not how I roll.
I could never do what I do if I operated in that fashion. The gears are always turning, and the planning never stops, for months and yes, years in advance.
This week is no exception.
Tomorrow, I'm heading out to update some health testing for a few of the dogs while my wonderful sitter keeps a close eye on my pack, especially our sweet Isla, of course.
I'm never more than a phone call away and can be home in a flash if she decides it's time. She's enjoying her days being stepped over and not moving anymore when someone comes into her bubble. Anya and Noni are getting the hint that she does not want to be tugged around the scruff any longer. Resting is her top priority and just enjoying her down time before these new ones arrive.
Saturday brings another round of health testing at a different clinic… MAYBE.
That appointment will depend entirely on Mother Nature and whether the Queen's Court has made its grand arrival by then. Always at the mercy of these dogs!
In between all of that, I'm ironing out breeding plans for the remainder of 2027 and juggling outside breeding opportunities for our lucky boy Tonka.
All while, dodging high winds, falling trees, and what feels like an endless rain of pine cones around here. Meanwhile, the dogs? Completely oblivious.
I truly love their lack of stress when Mother Nature decides to put on a show. A little wind, a few falling branches, leaves and pine cones dropping from the sky… and all they see is a fiber feast!
Who needs entertainment or scheduled meals when the sky is literally delivering all natural organic snacks?!
It's going to be a busy week, that's for sure. A week of keeping a close watch on Isla, staying flexible with schedules, and carrying that itchy eagerness to finally meet all the glorious little babes she's about to bless us with. Her whelping area is set up well in advance for her to get cozy, start nesting and to have a comfortable zone all to herself to rest up. The Queen is ready for her final reign.
These little royals are expected to head home the first week of January. Which means our families get to enjoy all the beautiful, loud, crazy chaos of the holidays… and then shift gears dramatically the following week to calm, collected, puppy-ready mode.
Okay… maybe calm is a little optimistic when bringing home a new puppy!
Selection visits may be a little tricky for some of our families this time around, as they'll fall over Christmas weekend. But really, what better way to add a little extra magic to the holiday season than meeting your newest family member?
A Christmas weekend spent choosing your new best friend? I'd say that's a pretty special kind of holiday magic.
So, here we go…
The countdown is behind us. The last wait is ahead of us. The last minute preparations are well underway. Our calendar my be full, but is always flexible, the cameras are ready, the newborn welcoming gear is set out and the excitement is building every second.
Isla, whenever you're ready, we're ready.
Well… as ready as anyone can be when there's a whole royal court waiting to make their debut.
Stay tuned, everyone. Puppy watch is officially underway!
