31Jan
I have taken many photos over the years and this has to be my favourite. It has a special meaning with Alaska being my keeper baby from Raven and Drake's first litter and the puppy in the photo is Alaska's first born puppy, Delta. I am not where I wish I was with my photography skills but this photo means so much to me and I cannot believe I took it.
I am not the kind of person to brag and I do not like it when others do it but I feel like I am "bossing" life after this week. Not only have I had Alaska and her puppies to care for but I have had 2 girls in season. If anyone ever says that having an intact male in the same house as a female at the peak of her season and it is easy- they are lying. I am extremely lucky yet grateful for my dogs. I have 3 intact males and they can control themselves, and remain calm despite 2 girls ovulating. Raven is one of them and she seems to smell extra nice to males. I am proactive and have measures in place ensuring every dog can be themselves and be happy. It looks like we are just passing the worst days and we can start to relax. The timing with the puppies could not be better as they have not needed me too much over the last week. They sleep a lot at this stage and with Alaska being such an amazing mum, it really makes a huge difference. The weeks ahead will be back to normal with the adult dogs which is brilliant as I will be socialising the puppies more each day. I have been able to meet every adult dogs needs as well as the puppies, clean the house and garden fully as well as care for my children. If someone told me that I could do all of this a few years ago.. I would not have believed them. I feel like a fly buzzing around the house at times and having to do lists are helping.
Today marks the last day of ENS and ESI. Tomorrow will bring the start of sound desensitisation for the puppies. They have been handled a lot by myself and then from other family members. All four girls are gaining weight well, moving around and starting to interact with each other and us humans. Dana stands out to me and reminds me of Brie from Hendrix's and Raven's litter. Every time I go in the whelping box, Dana locks eyes with me and makes her way over. I felt guilty when Alaska went in too and Dana chose me. I am telling myself not to fall in love with these girls as I do not think I could keep any but it is very hard. I haven't heard anyone else say this before, but when I hold them I feel a rush of love- a feeling deep in my chest that feels like we are bonding (the same feeling I had with my own babies). I cannot stop that feeling and every puppy means so much to me. I am super excited for the next 6 weeks and I have so much planned. I have even written many things down on my calendar- I am that excited to socialise these girls! One of my favourite things is getting to know a puppy, socialising them, seeing them overcome any fears and watch them flourish into a confident puppy and then bringing so much joy and love to their new families.
I feel better about rehoming Pepsi after seeing the boys with the girls in season. Even neutered males will respond to girls at the peak of their season so neutering and keeping him isn't a viable option. The boys do get frustrated as their brain is instinctively telling them they have a certain job to do. Most studs struggle to focus on anything but the female and will try and break down doors to get to them. The kindest thing for Pepsi would be to let him be in a home where he will receive one on one attention, lots of love and he can thrive. Someone out there will be extremely lucky to have him. He is one of the most loving, sweetest male dogs and he is a pleasure to have. Socialising him has been easy as he takes everything in and will do anything you want to do. I have done a lot of games with him and built up our bond so he knows he is safe with me- I have his back making him naturally feel confident whilst with me.
Alaska's four girls are the most settled puppies I have ever had. Alaska is doing a fabulous job raising and caring for them and with her being naturally content- it is passing on to her puppies.
I am keeping my fingers crossed as we may be expecting Raven and Drake babies in 8 to 9 weeks time. Repeating our first litter that blessed me with Alaska is extremely special. I know first hand that this pairing creates puppies that are robust, resilient and make fantastic furry family members. My socialisation is improving and with their parents temperaments- these puppies will be incredible. I feel like 2025 will be a memorable and precious year with Alaska's puppies followed by her mums.
~ Claire 🐾
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