The Four Who Remain

The last week was full of preparing the pups to leave for their forever homes, and then, of course, meeting the families and sending our precious puppies off into the world.

I'm absolutely thrilled with the new families and am delighted with how well-suited each pup seems to be for each placement. Once again, we couldn't have asked for better and are tickled over the pups' new forever homes.

But I have to admit, it's bittersweet. We love these little ones as if they would be ours forever. We know they can't be; and, like children, we raise them to leave us and fly. But it's still difficult; I could never let go if I didn't value and trust the people to whom the pups were going. I do, so I can. And I can joyfully -- with only a little heartache. It really is a wonderful thing all-in-all.

Here's a final picture of the whole gang together (from l to r:  Blue, Lime, White, Green, Sky, Red, Pink, Orange, Yellow):

Here's DH saying goodbye to Mr. Green just before his family arrived:

Bittersweet, but all good. Just as it should be.

And now we're down to four.  Miss Pink (who stays with us); Miss Lime, who leaves later this week; Miss Orange who leaves in June; and Miss Yellow, who has yet to find her forever home.

All are lovely, sweet girls: confident, impish, affectionate, smart, active, and healthy.

And healthy is key. I'm still quite protective of the pups (after our experience 18 months ago), but am greatly relieved how well the litter has done so far. Relieved, but cautious.  And I will be.

So now we start training (they're 8.5 weeks old already). How time flies when you're having fun!

'til next time,
Joan