Cue the bittersweet music… Today was Ruby’s (Number Eleven’s) last full day at Norling Rise. Biff worked with her out in the field (first time on a check cord) and I had some snuggle time with her this evening in the barn. Her departure will leave us without the pleasure of puppies but it will allow us to turn all our attention back to our big dogs. They, we are certain, will be happy to have more of us.
We received a couple of charming nap photos from puppy families – Kruger and Remmie with their peeps. Is anything sweeter than snoozing with a puppy?
Ruby had dinner with the big dogs tonight. She’s also had her first experiences wearing a collar and we even tried walking between the barn and the house on leash. She behaved as if the leash was a chew toy that became annoying when she realized it limited her running. Alll in all, she’s easing into the ways of dogs quite well. It’s been fun for Biff and I to have her with us for this week, feeling what the new puppy families are experiencing as they incorporate a puppy into their families’ lives and routines.
This evening is rainy and we’re mostly hunkered inside. I spent all day in town, back at work, so these two photos were from last night when Ruby noticed and watched the pigeons pecking in the grass (their loft is a stone’s throw from the dogs’ kennel space.) Then, suddenly, they all took off. It was good visual entertainment for Ruby.
“It’s just another ordinary miracle today.” These Sarah McLachlan lyrics came to mind as I watched Ruby this evening and thought about her and her littermates. I go back to work tomorrow, following what felt like a short summer, and was reflecting on the last 9 weeks. There was Ruby, chewing on the snap of my pants pocket, with her wide-awake exuberance and gorgeous features. She romps around, snuggles up, chews everything she can get her mouth on and finally zonks out belly-up when it’s time to sleep. What a miracle!
Ruby (Number 11) found her way under the fence into the backyard this evening, joining the big dogs for some running. Ruby and Reine hung with each other for a while, exploring a green space that Ruby had not yet experienced.
We’ve received some great photos of the puppies with their families, settling into their new homes. Here are a few of them…
Below, Mavis (Number 2) and her “brother” Nelson snoozed together.
Number Five (named Kruger, “Kru”) explored his backyard.
Edgar (Number 7) resting in his crate
Walter (Number Nine) swimming with his canine “brother” and human “sister”
Croix (Number Twelve) looking comfortable in the water
Walter (Number Nine) departed for his home in central Minnesota today, leaving just one puppy who now rules the roost. Number Eleven will be heading to her new home in about a week.
We’re helping ease our last little one’s transition to having no littermates by mixing in the big dogs. She’s got some larger canine companionship along with Biff’s and my undivided attention.
Puppies Number One and Three headed for their homes in northern Illinois and central Minnesota today. Number One is now “Remmie” and Number Three is “Axl” (yes, “Axl”, not “Axel” or “Axle”).
We figured, with just four puppies left, we could put the kiddy pool in the fenced area for them all to play in together. How crazy could it get? Pretty crazy, but the weather was warm and they dried off quickly enough after the splashing and racing in and out of the water ended. Nap time, following the pool party, went extra long.
Remmy (formerly Number Six) headed off to her western Wisconsin home today. Her people reported that there are relatives waiting to meet her. She’s already a well-loved dog who will have an extended family, including canine cousins.
