Life Changes Are Rapid, Scary, and Wonderous

Wednesday night, July 14th, 2021… Nine German Shepherd puppies were born into our world. We knew it was coming, and the vet suggested eight, or maybe only seven (as shown by X-rays), but by 4 a.m., nine bundles were delivered to our doorsteps. Are we ready for them? Somewhat. Do we know what it means to have this many pups? Nope!

For the past 5 weeks, we’ve watched them go from total dependence on Chewy’s feeding system to being rejected and learning to eat solid food. From wriggling across the floor, they now run, jump, wrestle and terrorize each other. It feels like we’ve gone from infancy through the terrible twos, and now they’re finding out how to dominate on the playground!

This has been the fastest transition period we’ve ever seen!

We surround ourselves with growth. Flowers, shrubs, trees, and even put up as many birdhouses as possible to watch the magic of life bloom and then move on. Several times, we’ve had a wild turkey in our pasture charging us to keep us from her brood or the deer bounding over a 5-foot fence hoping their bambi’s escape. We’ve even had baby rabbits left to fend for themselves. Unsuccessfully.

Other species are born ready to stand and run within hours. Our pup’s eyes and ears are closed for nearly 2 weeks; all they can do is smell and whine. From helpless to cuddly, to attack! Rapid. Scary to watch and yet wonderous to enjoy.

Handling The Changes

I remember my kids through gestation and birth and the painful steps they took to become independent. In our modern world, it’s often longer than 18 years. In some nations, it’s different. I’m thankful for our time with them, but can you imagine their lives had they been born to different growing, maturing, and producing criteria? We work hard to provide, and they provide for themselves, often leaving when we are not ready to see them go. Not with our pups. In 5 weeks, they are mostly on solid food, and in several more months, they will be fully grown and able to take down small to medium-sized animals if they need to provide for themselves.

I read yesterday that a grown German Shepherd can break human bones. And then, I watched Chewy take a green limb fallen from the tree and dismantle it in a matter of minutes. How big? It’s only 2 inches in diameter, but it’s definitely taken care of faster than you, and I might be able to do this.

When I walk them late at night, I now must use a flashlight, destroying my night vision. They come out of the dark, obviously seeing much better, and stop in front of me for a pet or leap for attention. If I’m not ready, then I’m certainly about to introduce myself to the ground!

Their teeth are razor-sharp, and they are learning to use them effectively. Milk teeth, they are called. Adult teeth come later. I often keep my work gloves on!

In just 3-weeks, these pups will be ready to leave the nest and make someone a loving guard-dog kind of pet! It would be best to have the temperament to handle a big dog, ready to exercise its seamlessly boundless energy. Some keep them in the house, but these dogs were made to enjoy some acreage!

For the past few days, we’ve watched the puppies become the images of their future selves. Their color is unfolding. Some will be darker, like their pops, Gunny. Others will be more colorful, like their mom, Chewy.

Life Goes On

As someone who has always owned dogs and cats, we learn that life goes on. Enjoy their presence, but their shortened years are no match for our longer life span. Some insects hatch, mature, and die within just a few hours or days.

Prayerfully, we all live long to our possibilities, but let’s live them gratefully and watchfully over those with lesser years. Enjoy them. Let them go when it’s time. Find another good replacement pet to match your next set of years.

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