STORIES

I receive lots of emails and phone calls regarding our dogs. The Blue Picardy Spaniel is still relatively rare, and when people are researching breeds and come across the Blues many are curious to know more about them. As I was thinking about the many conversations I have had with people, I realized that I was privileged to have heard about their dogs as well. I must say it is a pleasure to listen to folks talk about dogs in their life, present and past. Dogs have been part of my life for the past 30 years or so and I know how important mine have been in my life. I have silently shed tears as someone has related to me about the last few days of their dogs life and I have laughed heartily at some of the stories from others. Either way, it is wonderful to hear people talk about their dogs. When I had the boarding kennel some of the dogs ended up in the house and became "special boarders", one in particular was Sami. She came often as her owner had to travel. About a year after closing the boarding kennel, I got a phone call from Sami's owner. He had made the very hard decision to have her euthanized the next day and he just wanted me to know. We laughed about some silly "Sami things" and cried about the fact she was at the end of her life. He thanked me for the good care I gave Sami and I thanked him for allowing me to know Sami. Of course this is just one of many stories. I have been asked if it is better to get another dog before the first one passes or if it is better to wait. Some have already made their minds up and are looking into another dog. Some folks wait quite a while and others just a very brief time before another dog comes into their life. Everyone's story is different but they are all the same. For when we share our lives with dogs there is a connection to nature and a connection to each other.

WHAT A LIFE 2

Naptime then playtime. Puppies are now interacting with each other and responding to my voice. Notice the sharp little teeth already, almost time to start introducing some different foods.

WHAT A LIFE

Puppy life, get up, eat and then have an after breakfast nap. We should all have the chance to be a puppy for a day.

MEET THE GIRLS

Introducing Dorothy, Blanche and Rose. The picture says it all. Puppies are doing very well and I am quite happy with how they are developing.

SISTERS

One thing about a small litter of puppies, you can fit them all into one shot. Puppies are 9 days old today and are growing and developing nicely. There is always room at the restaurant with only three puppies and these girls have taken full advantage of not having to share with a lot of siblings. They are holding their heads up and pushing themselves up on their legs. Oh how I love to watch puppies develop.

Puppies have arrived

As the saying goes "all is well that ends well" Justy delivered 3 lovely girls on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately the fourth puppy was caught in the birth canal and an emergency caesarian surgery had to be done. The little guy did not survive, but after many years of breeding I realize that sometimes things are out of our control. But Justy and babies are doing fine and we carry on. I have never had this small of a litter before and am quite surprised at how fast the daily "weigh-in" and "check up" goes.

WADDING POOL IN THE FAMILY ROOM Doesn't everyone have a wadding pool in their family room?? Likely not. But here at Brighthope it always means that puppies are due shortly. The furniture is moved and all the "maternity stuff" is put in place. Justy is feeling down right sorry for herself and she will likely be glad when the puppies arrive. And as always Momma Nature is in charge and we will just patiently wait and of course "hover" to make sure that all is well and taken care of. Not long now!!