(I wrote this after our first litter as we prepared
to say goodbye to our pups at their “forever” homes.
There’s an update at the end.)
Breeders told us not to get attached, but it isn’t easy with 9 puppies growing at your feet. Each has a unique personality, and we’ve learned them. Their colors are vibrantly coming alive, and unless some new owner shares, we have no clue what they will finally look like. They are scrappers, scramblers, and voracious little angels. You can hold them when they are tired and rest in your arms, but when the energy is high, you watch out for your fingers and toes!
We feed them 3 times a day! Imagine our food bill! They get the run of the backyard and pasture several times per day. And they have socialized with our big dogs in the woods, but you must watch out for the chickens! They sleep in the garage at night but spend 16 hours on the porch and the fenced area. They wrestle, charge, and challenge one another for the right to the toys!
I’m not going to list them today, but one captured my attention differently than the others. Puppy #8 sits and watches my eyes, follows my hand, hoping for a treat, and waits patiently while all the others are clambering. Do not be fooled. It would be best to watch your fingers when he’s ready to snack! Even then, he sits and is patiently waiting. He has a black face, mostly white on his chest, and the most beautiful feet – tan, black, and sable(?)! Just saying, find the beauty of each and enjoy them!
How can I enjoy one over the other?
As difficult as it may sound, if something were to happen and some remain behind, I would enjoy each for its beauty and personality. The “chunks” are my favorite. Today, all 4 males and 1 female clocked in over 12 lbs. Today, they got their first vaccination, another worming, Mani and Pedi, and a health check. Everything is ready for forever homes.
Except us.
Puppy #7 leaves in 10 days for Oregon. Several others are slotted for closer to home. The others are still waiting for that new connection. They will be your friend for life! Just ask their mom and dad…
We are accidental AKC German Shepherd puppy breeders. Hoping it would never happen. This has been a stressful and joyful time. We shall overcome!
But I’m partial to Puppy # 8. Just saying.
AKC German Shepherd, anyone?
As I hoped for, Puppy # 8 stayed with us and is now “Bear!”
Bear will be two years old in July 2023. He’s the tallest of all the puppies and towers over his parents by nearly 2 inches. He weighs the most, topping nearly 100 lbs, but he’s still growing!
He’s come into his own as a playful adult who still loves treats. When I walk to my office (new shed in the yard), Bear often comes alongside me and holds my hand with his mouth! You must be aware of his mouth if you give him a treat! My, what big teeth you have!
He’s not the fastest runner. His mom, Chewy, is still the fastest of all the dogs. But Bear is so big you don’t want to be in his way if he’s struggling to stop in time!
Bear chases after the ball and will bring it back to you, but he’s not sure he wants you to take it from him.
Of all our dogs, Bear is the one that wasn’t too afraid of an electric fence or intimidated by a gate you and I would struggle to climb. But he’s learned to stay in the yard!
The few times he’s been allowed in the house proves he’s a sweet dog with a good temperament and could be an inside dog if you forced him too…
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