HAPPY BIRTHDAY CIRON

Ciron turned 8 years old today. He was the first Blue Picardy to take up residence here at Brighthope. The only puppy from the Dani/Sam breeding he was nicknamed Johnny in the whelping box and is still referred to as Johnny Ciron by some of his friends. His breeder Kim Spelmer and I knew that he was a special boy from the start and he proved us right. His presence alone demands respect from all our Blues ( well except for the girls (at times) but that is a whole different blog). He still thinks he is a lap dog when visitors come to meet our Blue Picardies and everyone always comments about his great temperament. Some folks have asked us if we ever place some of our older dogs in new homes, the answer is "at times". But not "this time". We will be celebrating many more birthdays with our beautiful boy Ciron.

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT

PICARDY PUPPIES LOVE THE SNOW. The Reign/Allure puppies are now 7 weeks old and no amount of snow or wind was going to keep them from exploring. Can't wait for their first run in Picardy Park. What a lovely group of puppies from this breeding. It won't be long before they will be heading to new homes and hearts.

Puppy Love

Arine found her spot.
For some reason the new members at Brighthope have always found Dave to be a good sleeping partner. No need for a blanket on a chilly winter evening when a Blue Picardy can keep you warm.

Let sleeping puppies sleep.
I took a chance with this picture. When you get 9 five week old puppies all sleeping you don't blow it by flashing and clicking cameras. But I could not resist with this shot.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
From the Brighthope Gang (Can you spot our Valentine?)

New Food

Today the puppies have learned food just doesn't come from Mom. That human voice they have been hearing can deliver the goods as well. The puppies are enjoying their first taste of goat's milk. As you can see there are no such thing as manners when it comes to feeding time. There will be lots of new tastes over the coming week for the puppies. I am sure that Allure will appreciate the help in keeping all these little tummies fed.

Puppies are 2 weeks old

Hard to believe that the Reign/Allure puppies are already two weeks old. They all have their eyes open and are mastering the art of walking. Even though we call it the "drunken sailor" walk at this point. Two even found there way out of the whelping box to lay beside Mom today. Time to add a side board to keep them contained!

We would also like to introduce a new member to our Brighthope pack. Arine (pronounced Irene) has been here for 7 days now.
Arine flew from Amsterdam to Toronto last Friday. She was born on October 26th 2011. She will offer our breeding program some new blood lines and so far we are very impressed with her. She has made friends with all our Blues and already she loves her runs in Picardy Park.

Puppies have arrived

Brighthope announces the arrival of nine puppies born Thursday January 5th. Allure's resolution to "stay away from the boys" is not going to work this time. She gave us 6 males and 3 females. All doing fine.
Even after years of breeding I am so amazed at the survival instincts in these little beings. They eat and sleep. They will always find the "restaurant" even when it moves around the whelping box, and voice their displeasure if they do not feel a warm body beside them.

Puppy Countdown!

The only one at Brighthope to make a New Years resolution is Allure and she has decided to "stay away from the boys". She trys her best to waddle around in the deep snow in Picardy Park but it is getting harder with each snowfall. We should have puppies in the next few days; we are ready when she is!

The Blue Picardy calendars are beautiful. Many thanks go to Kim Ratigan and Susan Varga for all the work that went in to putting them together. I must say I am very proud of the Blues that our Brighthope Gang have produced.