Sunshine, New Adventures, and enjoying some downtime

It hardly seems possible, but the Isla and Leia HAY & BERRY pups have now been settled into their forever homes for almost six weeks. Every time I look back at the masses of white fluffy photos, I'm reminded of just how quickly this stage passes and how fast they grow up. One moment they're my tiny squishy squashy potatoes learning to navigate the meer inches in front of their noses, and the next they're off on exciting adventures with their families, discovering all the wonderful things life has to offer.

The first several weeks at their new homes are always a big adjustment—for both puppies and their people. New routines are being established, new relationships are being built, sleep schedules are improving, and everyone is learning how to communicate with one another. There have certainly been a few challenges along the way, which is completely normal. Raising a puppy is a journey filled with so many learning opportunities, patience, love, bonding and consistency.

All of this is just part of puppyhood.

Puppies don't arrive speaking our language, and we don't automatically speak theirs. Over time, however, something beautiful happens. The bond grows deeper and the communication improves. Families begin to recognize what their puppy needs before the puppy even asks. Puppies learn to trust and start to feel safe. They begin to relax and learn what is expected of them and begin looking to their people for guidance and reassurance. Trust grows even more, confidence develops , and suddenly the little hurdles that once seemed overwhelming become distant memories.

I absolutely love receiving updates from families after puppies go home. Each photo, video, and story gives me a glimpse into the life these puppies are building, and it never gets old. So thank you HAY & BERRY families for letting me be part of your life as you celebrate your successes and start to build this beautiful friendship. 

The Isla and Leia puppies have certainly been making the most of their first summer. They've been exploring their new worlds with curiosity and enthusiasm. Some have already become seasoned walkers, happily trotting alongside their families on daily outings. Others have taken to the water and discovered the joys of swimming. A few adventurous pups have even tried paddleboarding and have surprised everyone with how naturally they take to it.

Several puppies have become office companions, spending their days meeting new people, how to settle calmly in busy environments and learn the world of how to give back. Others have enjoyed traveling a bit, lots of walks, baths, puppy Kindergarten class, randomly running into their siblings there! and one pup is already a frequent flyer.

The rest of the pups are experiencing new sights and sounds everywhere. Watching these puppies confidently explore the world, become woven into the fabric of everyday life, bonding with their families and watching the love magic happen totally melts my heart. I know I have succeeded. 

Back here at home, things have been much quieter compared to the busy months of raising pups. Leia was spayed this week and is doing exceptionally well with her recovery. She's healing beautifully and taking everything in stride. It won't be long before she heads off to her forever home, where a family is eagerly waiting to welcome her into the next chapter of her life. I will miss her dearly of course but know with full confidence she is going where she is meant to be. She will thrive immensely with her family and be spoiled just as a retired mama should be. Anya her daughter, will continue on with her legacy here and I am looking forward to her pups in the near future. I know she will be a great addition to this program here.

The rest of the dogs have been thoroughly enjoying the arrival of summer. If you've ever owned a Golden, you'll understand their remarkable ability to locate the warmest patch of sunshine available. The dogs have spent countless hours stretched out soaking up the sun, and enjoying the simple pleasures of this weather. 

For me, this time between litters is always a chance to catch my breath and focus on some of the projects that inevitably get pushed aside during puppy season. I've been spending time in the garden, catching up on outdoor projects, and enjoying a slightly slower pace. While I absolutely love raising puppies, there is something special about having a little extra time to recharge before the next busy season begins.

This past week Arai and I got invited to go up flying with one of my HAY puppy families. What an incredible experience. Seeing the world from above offers such a unique perspective and was a wonderful reminder to take time for adventures and new experiences. And Arai got the honor to fly us the whole way! Her next adventure I'm sure - flight school! This girl doesn't go small with anything in her life. It was truly one of the most thoughtful puppy-parent thank-you gifts we've ever received. We are so grateful to Emerald Air Flight School and the Gmyrek family for their generosity and for creating such a memorable day for us.

As summer continues, our focus will shift toward family time, outdoor activities, and preparing for the next exciting season here. Before we know it, summer will fade and fall will arrive, and with it will come puppies once again.

Both Isla and Neema are expected to bring us our fall litters, and I couldn't be more excited. While I'm genuinely enjoying this season of rest and quieter days, there's always a huge part of me that misses the tiny puppy noises, the first wobbly steps, the endless snuggles, and the joy of watching a new litter grow and yes even the chaos. 

I have some amazing families waiting for pups that I'm honored to be working with. Some are first timers and others are welcoming a new golden into their home as we all know, once you go golden you never go back. The difficult stories have been shared and then the joys of what's ahead have filled the gaps. Over the years, I've had the privilege of witnessing these puppies bring comfort, healing, laughter, and companionship to so many people during some of life's most important moments. It's a responsibility I never take lightly, and it's one of the reasons I continue to love and be extremely passionate about what I do.

Our grand SEA OF WHITE yearly reunion event is quickly approaching and I can't wait to see you all there! 

Annual Reunion 📍 Haller Park 📅 Saturday, July 11 ⏰ 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Every year, this gathering becomes a wonderful reminder that our puppy families are more than just a moment in time where they purchased a pup from me—they become part of our extended family.

Watching littermates reunite, seeing how much they've grown, hearing stories from their families, and catching up with familiar faces is one of the highlights of the entire year for me and for many others as well.  

I've already heard from so many families who are hoping to attend, and I am looking forward to seeing all of you. Whether your dog is a recent puppy, a young strapping lad or lass growing up to be a stunner or you have yet to adopt a pup from us but want to join in the wonderful chaos, we would love to have you join us for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and plenty of great company.

As we settle into the heart of summer, I hope everyone is finding time to enjoy the simple things. Take the extra walk. Go for the swim. Explore a new trail. Spend a little more time outdoors. Throw the ball one more time. Sit in the sunshine. Make memories. And love your pup as they deserve the world. 

Our dogs have a wonderful way of reminding us to slow down and appreciate the present moment.

Here's to a summer filled with wagging tails, muddy paws, sunshine, adventure, and the people and dogs we love most.