The countdown to babies is on!
The countdown is officially on! We are just 12 ish days away from welcoming Isla's newest little crew, and things are beginning to get busy around here once again.
Isla is getting quite big, but doing wonderfully. She's still enjoying her favorite game of ball catch with just as much enthusiasm as ever. Apparently, a growing belly isn't going to get in the way of her favorite game. We have also turned it into a game of ‘wall ball’ which brings back fond childhood memories. She catches her ball almost every time it bounces off the wall. Such a happy girl!
With the big day approaching ever so soon, it's time to get the nursery ready once again. I always prepare the nursery at least a week in advance. This gives our mama-to-be plenty of time to settle and start nesting in her own birth space before her little ones arrive.
The autumn weather is certainly making its presence known. The leaves are turning into absolutely gorgeous shades of fall, making the scenery around here beautiful, even if the cleanup afterward isn't quite as exciting. Our property walks have been beautiful. We've had a few days of some seriously soggy, pouring rain, but otherwise, the autumn chill has been lovely. Nothing a warm cup of lemon water and a cozy layer or two can't tackle.
These dogs, of course, couldn't care less about the weather. With those beautiful fuzzy coats, they're perfectly happy in just about anything Mother Nature sends our way.
I've bundled up, pulled out the nursery supplies, and started getting everything back in order. Thankfully, they didn't have to travel very far. Our last litter only went home a few weeks ago, so we're easily transitioning right back into puppy mode. With the temperatures dropping, the heater in the doghouse has officially been turned on, and it's time to get the nursery warmed up and ready for its newest residents.
This litter is definitely bittersweet. With it being Isla's final litter and the closing of her reign as queen of our little homestead, I have mixed emotions going into this next chapter with her.
I'm not sure I'm quite ready to wrap my head around the idea that she won't be the queen of our land anymore. She's held that position so beautifully, and watching her journey through motherhood has been such a special part of our program.
But as one chapter begins to close, another is preparing to open.
Our little, not-so-little Neema will soon be stepping into the throne as our leading
queen. She's really begun to mellow out lately, developing into such an attentive, soft, and sweet girl. One of the things I love most about raising these young dogs into mature lovely graceful girls is watching that transition from the busy, playful puppy energy into the settled, calm, confident nature of adulthood. I find it incredibly fascinating and love every minute of it. I have a feeling Neema is going to wear this ‘queen of the land’ crown beautifully. I can't wait to welcome Neema pups with a NEW amazing Sire next summer.
Looking ahead ...
There are some big plans in the works for the year ahead, and I'm SO excited about what's coming. There are several exciting happenings taking shape within our program, and I'm hopeful I'll be able to share more with you all very soon!
But first, we have a nursery to prepare, a mama to pamper, and a whole lot of anticipation building around here.
For now, stay cozy, enjoy the beautiful fall days, and hang tight as we count down together! Only 12 or so more days until Isla's little ones make their grand entrance!
