Bella and Hudson's Puppies - 8 weeks

Mr. Brown ...looking so Regal!

This week was all about having fun and getting dirty in the process. Fortunately, the morning dew that covered the lawn was nature’s little miracle footbath that cleansed the puppies’ feet on their way back to the playpen. This week was also about meeting new people, making new relationships and evolving roles. As their mother and caregiver, Bella still provided the occasional snack to her little entourage, but after mealtime, she became their playmate, one on one or in groups. Not unexpectedly, their “Aunt” Sierra who has always adored the puppies, was their favourite and most capable chum. She would inspire a group to chase her and then roll onto her back to allow the little ones to climb on her. With such keen maternal instincts, Sierra is bound to be an exceptional mum herself one day.

Aunt Sierra playing with Bella's puppies.

The group was eager to get further acquainted with their dad, Hudson and their “Uncle” Jazz, but did have some difficulty in keeping up with them so they settled on Haas, our senior Golden. Since Haas likes to spend much of his time lying down, he was a natural target for the puppies to use as a giant play toy. While occasionally reluctant, he was always gentle and accommodating.

There is seemingly no limit to the imagination of a puppy. We can only surmise about the game of G.I. Joe that the puppies were playing in a giant foxhole in the backyard. They were somehow able to fit four or five of them into it at one time. The carpentry crew found four puppies playing tug with one single tree branch; a gift spawned from a brisk wind the prior evening. Another team embarked on their project of a big dig, whereby they excavated the earth under a protruding rock, tunneling tirelessly like miners, thereby creating a cave. With her exceptional gardening skills, Miss Lavender gathered brush to help camouflage its entrance. But then, they are den animals and they instinctively look to create these little hideaways they can safely retreat to, should the imaginary need arise.

Since we had a couple of rain days during the week, we spent some indoor time with the gang. They rollicked in our foyer which served as a giant dance floor and ran laps around the island in the kitchen. When enough energy was expended, the puppies each found a corner of the kitchen or a stool to curl up under for some greatly needed rest.

Much of the week was a blur. There were many car rides, visitors, monsoons, lightning storms, races back and forth in the yard at top speeds and first time baths, but in the midst of it all there was still some time to spend alone with each puppy. Our hearts were captured by the puppies’ budding and loving little personalities that they will take with them to share with their new families. These were among the most special moments that we’ll cherish forever.