Archive for January, 2009
Getting Back to Normal
The dust has settled and the smell of bleach is fading as we are deep into cleaning the house. Amazing how many things get put on hold while the puppies are here…cleaning being one of them. I haven’t heard from any of the puppy families, always a good sign. And I did hear from Annie’s new home and while there are some challenges, things seem to be going as expected. It is harder to place an adult dog, especially in a home with another adult dog, than it is to place a puppy. Puppies are all about adapting to their surroundings while adult dogs come with their “personalities” in place, making it a bit harder for them to adapt. But with clear and consistent leadership, they can do it.
Last Four Pups Go On Their Way
And so the final four left yesterday…Little Cupid, Vixen, Dasher and Donner. I was sad but business-like once again. We let the pups romp outside with the family that took Cupid and that made a good memory for me of transition.
Cupid
To you Cupid I wish for many long and lazy nights spent chewing a good bone, tired out from a day of playing with your doggy sister and from good, long, Cesar-inspired walks. Your new family will love you and more importantly, keep their attention on what you need to live a full life as a dog.
Vixen
Vixen, to you with your spunky and happy personality I wish for you many silly games with your new little family member. I hope you have lots of doggy play-dates, long romps in big spaces, and I hope you learn to catch a frisbee. I know you will be a beautiful jumper, your tiny 8 week old body already so athletic. Be a good girl and learn the rules of your new home. Make me proud.
Dasher
And Dasher, my beautiful boy, enjoy your new family – full of love, children and other dogs. Learn the rules of the house and teach your owners some new tricks. Get your doggy brother into shape and get your people out walking more often. And enjoy all the love the children have to give.
Donner
And finally, dear little Donner. You are so loved, I can see it in your new family’s eyes. You will grow up to be a beauty. Keep your happy tail wagging sweetness. Enjoy all the things life is going to give to you. Make new friends that honor the friendship between you and my son…for you were his favorite playmate, and his pride and joy. Remember how to give paw (both the front AND back!) and never ever forget how to dance.
Doggie Wishes and Muffled Cries
I came home after running around this morning and the house was quiet…no Annie peering expectantly from her crate, NEEDING me, only 4 puppies at the gate NEEDING me. It felt good. I miss Annie but I feel glad to be out from under the weight of her need. She is working hard in her new home – her world has been turned upside down and it will take her some time to get her bearings. But it is better for her there then in my basement wanting so much when I haven’t got it to give. I keep sending her warm feelings, doggy wishes, messages from my heart without words. I think about the feeling I had watching her run run run in the yard and send her that sense of exhilaration. I think about her warm eyes as she looked at me late at night when all the work was done and it was just the two of us and send her that tenderness. I think about the way she tried so hard to fit into my life and send her that determination. It is all I can do for her.
It is a relief though, to have that had work behind me.
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Comet and Blitzen Away Away
Comet
Last night after Annie left two more puppies went to their new homes – little Comet and little Blitzen. It was so sweet seeing Blitzen’s new owners beaming and almost wriggling themselves with puppy joy, and it was heartening to see Blitzen’s little tail wagging and wagging as his new mommy held him. He must have remembered her scent from her previous visits. And my little boy Comit was his sweet and mellow self as his new owner took care of business and filled out his adoption contract. His new family is so excited to welcome him home that they are having a party in his honor and inviting everyone over to meet him. I hope his subdued self isn’t overwhelmed by so much attention.
Blitzen
So, little guys, welcome to your new lives. Grow up to be big, loving dogs. Comet, stay cuddly and sweet and remember, as you grow to 80 pounds you can no longer be a lap dog! Your head on your owners lap will have to suffice. Keep your gentle, loving ways and teach your new kids how to be pack leaders. And Blitzen, grow up to be the brave and fun loving little guy you are destined to be. Teach your new owners how to love and care for you and get them outside and moving around! Be good and walk nicely on a leash. I will miss you two little guys, especially Comet who always asked me for cuddles. Farewell little lads.
Sad to See Annie Go
Sigh. So sad right now.
Annie left today. I was all business but kept trying to keep her new family at my house, I only realized this near the end, in order to prolong my time with her. As they walked to their car Annie was running around outside. I said, “call her” and she did and Annie, hearing my voice, came running up to me as I stood in the doorway. Her new owner called her again, “Annie, come on Annie” and I said, “go on” and Annie turned and ran toward her and jumped right in the car. Just like I knew she would. And the door shut and she was gone. I didn’t cry right away – I waited till my door was shut. And I am crying now. She is SO trusting. I think that’s what really got to me. I said, “go on” and she went.
Everyone says that the puppies leaving is so sad. But the puppies are just that, the puppies. My feelings for them are more diffuse. I will be sad when the lump sum of them is gone. But Annie (more…)
Annie is Moving On
Annie and pup
Annie seems to get that I don’t want her to nurse the puppies anymore. She is an amazing dog. So sweet, so wanting to please. I tried to help her realize that her life gets to be good now. She gets to be the center of attention. She gets to be cared for and doesn’t have to work so hard to take care of her puppies anymore. They are grown now and she can go on with her life and really really enjoy it. She has settled down so much lately. Last night she curled up into me and just sighed as I stroked her ears and told her how much I appreciated her.
Annie leaves us this afternoon for her new forever home. I worry about her, hoping the transition to her new family goes well. Hoping they love her as much as I’ve grown to love her. Hoping that she loves them and trusts them as much as she seems to have grown to love and trust me. I never take that trust and love for granted. I always feel honored and blessed when I see it. Every time.
