New Kids on the Block

I just realised that I haven't introduced my two (yes two!) keeper puppies.

I will firstly start by saying that I had never intended to keep two puppies. My intention was only ever to keep one, but then Adelle died and I struggled to speak to prospective owners and so both girls stayed, and what a joy that has been.

After Adelle, I was plunged into deep grief - my mind was filled with a million questions, but all of them were why; why had she chosen to take her own life? A question that sadly, I don't think I will ever find the answer to.

Having the two puppies gave me a focus. Often the phenomenon called 'littermate syndrome' comes into play when two puppies are raised together. This essentially is where two puppies become overly dependant on one another and can result in high anxiety, separation issues and even aggression. 

I was determined that for us this would not be the case and that both puppies be raised as individuals. So right from the start their socialisation and training became my focus.

By 12 weeks old Nancy and Elsie had achieved their Novice Trick Dog Titles and now at just over 4 months old they have their Masters titles too.

We have also been going to weekly obedience classes, ringcraft classes, visiting friends, meeting different animals, doing a variety of different types of walks and visiting pet friendly shops and cafes.

As I say, it has most certainly been busy but having these two girls has given me a focus and gotten me through dealing with Adelle's death and organising her funeral.

There is still an inquest and the closing down of Adelle's financial matters to do, but I know that I will get through it with these little monkeys helping to give me a focus on the positive things.

Of course, I still miss Adelle immensely. Life will never be the same, but I feel like these puppies were sent to help me through and that is exactly what they are doing.

The three boy pups are doing brilliantly too.

Alan went to live with two little girls in Essex and is a much loved member of the family. 

Pasha is living his best life with his Mum and two young teenagers in Hampshire.

He is a regular at the crafting club and a very much loved addition by the old ladies who attend.

And Gus is living his best life in Somerset. He has this cheeky cat for company!

Adelle

Hi all,

Amy here.

I have tried to write this post a number of times but really struggled to find the words.

I really feel that I need to apologise for the lack of updates on this page recently and explain the reason behind this.

Very sadly, a number of weeks ago I recieved some devestating news; which is that my best friend Adelle had ended her own life. 

Adelle has been my rock for the last 23 years and we spoke daily.  She was the kindest, most loyal friend that anyone could wish to have and I loved her dearly.

Adelle had made me her next of kin in 2015 after her lovely Mum succumbed to throat cancer. This means that I have been thrown into a world of not only unspeakable grief, but also having to deal with the practicalities too.

I do not quite have the words for how the loss of my beautiful friend has affected me. Life, quite simply will never be the same again.

Please be gentle with me whilst I am coming to terms with this news and organising to lay Adelle to rest.

5 Weeks Old

 

The puppies are now 5 weeks old and growing like weeds.

They are very content little babies and are thriving on a diet of raw food and getting lots of attention from both their Mother and Grandmother; though grumpy Uncle Stan shows no interest whatsoever! 

We had a couple of warmer days earlier in the week, so they were able to be out in the garden to play and experience the winter sun.

All but one boy puppy have lovely homes waiting. If you are interested in these puppies please make contact via my email address - jabquh1@aol.com. 

Jacqui.

3 weeks old

 

The puppies will be 3 weeks old tomorrow.

They have all celebrated by having their collars fitted, faces shaved and nails trimmed. They took all of this in their stride and were so calm and well behaved throughout the process.

Their eyes are open and they are all chunky little monkeys at well over 1kg each.

Their little personalities are really starting to shine now as they begin to explore life outside of the whelping box.

There are still two puppies looking for their forever home (possibly three depending on how many puppies stay)

Update

Just a quick note to say that I am ill.

Whilst I am unwell, my lovely Mum is going to be coming and helping to take care of the puppies, she will also deal with any enquiries re the two available pups. 

I am hoping that she will also be able to keep the blog and my Facebook pages updated, however technology is not her strongest skill LOL so please bare with her.

I am so grateful to have my Mum. She really is one in a million.

One Week Old

 

The puppies are one week old today and they are thriving.

They are all around the 500g mark and Peggy is doing a fantastic job of raising them. She is a wonderful mother.

I currently have a little boy and a little girl looking for their forever homes, but I am in no rush. They are just perfect!

Puppies have Arrived!

 

Our much longed for babies have finally arrived and I am absolutely thrilled.

This litter has been 2 years in the planning and the semen had to travel over 4000 miles to get here (and then got stuck at customs for 2 weeks which could very well have killed it) so it truly feels like the stars aligned to make this possible.

We have 3 gorgeous little boys and 2 perfect little girls.  A small but perfect litter, and a relief after my mammoth litter of 14 last year! All of the pups are all happy, healthy and gaining weight nicely. I am totally in love and can't stop looking at them!

Granny Edna is making milk and keen to help out and Peggy is also quite happy with this arrangement. My girls really do have an incredible bond and it is quite lovely to see Edna helping out with cleaning bums and resting protectively next to the whelping box and making sure that everyone is safe.

(NB I do not leave the girls unattended together for safety reasons)

I haven't taken many pictures yet, because I'm too busy just marvelling at them, but here are a couple.

The Countdown Continues

 

The weather the Moors has been rubbish. Winter is well and truly here; the sky seems permanently grey and every walk is wet and muddy.

Luckily the girls don't mind and have fun tearing around and chasing balls anyway.

I'm still not sure if anyone has told Peggy she is pregnant as she is just as bouncy as ever and shows no signs of slowing down. Our walks are very much led by her and she almost wants to do more than I am comfortable with. By this stage in pregnancy, Edna her mother is usually quite slow and doesn't want to do more than 20 minutes of meandering. Peggy, however is totally different! I'm certain we could pull our usual 5 miler with ease, or go climbing the tors and she'd still want to do more! I am, of course being sensible and just keeping our walks close to the car so that we can get home right away if she shows any sign of tiredness but she does not, she's wild!

Yesterday we had a chance meeting with our friend and her dogs, so the girls had a nice play with them too.

Despite the weather it is nice to be out and about because once the pups get here things will be busy and our Dartmoor trips won't be as regular. 

In the evenings the babies are very active. Here is a quick video of them. It looks like they are having a party in there!