Last week, we had snow! Our Little Piece of Heaven was blanketed with beautiful, heavy, wet snow! We don’t get much snow down here in SW Oklahoma but when we do, I get out in it as much as I can. I love the peaceful feeling the fresh snow gives, as it’s falling softly to the ground. Sounds are magically muffled and the snow crunches under paws, hooves and boots.
Just after midnight, from the front porch
The snow started falling around dark and by midnight, it was belly deep on the puppies, thanks to the wind and drifting snow. The puppies were not amused with the cold, wet stuff and would not budge off the porch. Needless to say, there were spots of yellow snow the puppies left on the porch!
Early the next morning, it had stopped snowing. The blanket of perfect snow was a beautiful sight! No tracks were in the front yard and the fresh snow was glistening in the early morning light. The puppies really had to be encouraged to go out into the yard to take care of their morning business. They were whining and scratching at the front door within minutes, which was a stark difference from other mornings. Usually I have to go out and call them, after 30 minutes. Everyone came in and I dried off their tummies, paws and faces. They ate breakfast and then soon curled up next to the wonderful electric radiator type heater I keep in the kitchen. They slept for a couple of hours and I took advantage of it as well as I covered up with my thick mink blanket and catnapped in the recliner with Penny on my lap. BJ was curled up on the couch with a light blanket I placed over his hips and back. Everyone was very content.
BJ wrestling with his pups.
When it came time to go out and feed the goats and ponies, the puppies again, were a bit reluctant to go out the back door and into the winter wonderland. I opened the door so that BJ and Penny could run outside. The puppies followed with a bit of coaxing and I came out last, with my winter boots and coat on. I closed the door behind us and breathed in the fresh, cold air. It does not get better than that! (Unless I’m in Colorado!)
Kate and Junior wrestling.
BJ, Penny and myself got the goats and mares fed breakfast. By this time, the puppies decided that the snow was a downright blast! They were running as fast as they could. Tackling each other, rolling around and scooping up big mouthfuls of snow. I came in for my camera and just started snapping pictures of ALL the puppies playing in the snow. Their eyes were bright and shiny with their excitement. They jumped onto the center of the round bale while the big dogs jumped up onto a whole round bale. They played tag around the hay, they raced across the driveway and chased a cat or two up on the round pen. They were running and playing so hard, their little tongues were hanging out of their mouths and flapping as they ran. They were all panting like little freight trains and I could hear them coming up behind me. They were little snowballs, each and everyone of them.
Penny, BJ and their pups.
Oh the fun and utter joy they were having. The calm, muffled sounds soon became the sounds of the puppies followed by my constant laughter. Penny and BJ added to it with their play growling, bear snarling and barking. We were outside for several hours and when the pups started slowing down and were making their way to the deck and back door, I knew it was time to go in for puppy food and a nice long nap. Oh how I didn’t want them to go in! I wanted to continue watching them play and have fun, but those little boogs were plum tuckered out. BJ and Penny were even ready to head in, so we all went into the house.
Rosie, Kate, Pete and Gracie.
We had the same fun when we went out later that afternoon to feed supper to the critters! Some of the snow had melted and there were bare spots but there was enough for the pups to play in. They had just as much fun that afternoon as they did that morning. What a complete joy it was, to watch those precious pups enjoy their first snow!
- Playing king of the hill on the center of the round bale.
This past week has been a flurry of activity with the puppies. Panda, JW, Frankie and Sarah all have gone to their new families and are doing very well. I’ll admit, the night before the 1st two left, I cried. I wanted it to be out of my system BEFORE their new families arrived to pick them up the following day. It was much easier to let them go, seeing how happy they were and how happy everyone was with their new puppies. I made sure that I got a picture with me and each puppy before they left.
Panda and me
The puppies are really growing, if they grow into their paws, they’ll be as big as their daddy!
JW and me
They found out that if they ALL put their front paws on the babygate and PUSHED at the same time, the gate would come down! Yep, all 10 pups worked together with Sarah and Pete barking as they were pushing on the gate. I wondered if they were singing a Drill Sergeant type of song? Or they were barking “PUSH! PUSH! PUSH! We can do it! PUSH! PUSH!” Whatever they were singing worked like a charm. Once they had the gate down there were no holds barred! They thundered down the hallway, panting like little freight trains, eyes bright with excitement and I swear, smiles. They did this many times and I laughed each time. I ended up making the gate as tight as possible in the hallway.
Getting ready to start pushing the baby gate down.
Little Sarah (now called Boo) mastered the art of climbing OVER the babygate one evening. I could not believe it! She was SO proud of herself too. She trotted down the hallway, head held high, panting and smiling. I put her back over the gate and she promptly climbed it again. I ended up sleeping on the couch that night with her on the floor next to me.
On the count of three, PUSH!
A few nights later, my Rosie too learned to climb the baby gate. She was just as proud of herself. I put her back over the gate and went to the recliner. I was comfy with my fuzzy blanket and ready to go to sleep (my knees were hurting so I was gonna sleep there) and the next thing I hear is that little “plop” sound of a puppy landing on the floor after they have climbed the gate. She trotted into the living room and came over to the recliner. She placed her front paws up on the arm of the chair and whined at me. Her little eyes were pleading for me to pick her up, so I did. She snuggled down on my lap and that’s the way we slept the entire night.
Frankie and me
I’ve been taking the remaining puppies, Rosie, Kate, Gracie, Pete and Junior, into the goat pens with me when we have time to kinda dink around. They love exploring and have decided goat poop is a delicacy! So far we’ve had no wrecks with a goat getting hateful with the puppies.
Brutus and me
I have LOVED this mild winter and when I’m not working the town job, I am outside the majority of the day with the puppies. It’s pure Heaven for me. I never tire of watching them play, explore, stalk cats and stare at the goats. Several puppies have started to bring the tennis ball back when it’s thrown, which makes me very happy. An active Border Collie is a happy Border Collie!
Sarah AKA Boo, and me
Several days before the puppies were to start going to their new homes, I was on the phone with my Mom. She told me I’d get tired of them especially with them being in the house. I quickly assured her that I would NEVER tire of these precious pups. Her response? “Are you getting too attached to them? Will you be able to let them go?” I quickly said “NO” then a few seconds “Maybe” then a few seconds later “Yes, I’m getting attached. BUT I can let them go. People are expecting their puppies.” Sigh………..
A roll of toilet paper made a bad move and had to be destroyed!
Pete will be going to Colorado to be a best friend to my Great Niece, Justice. They’ll either come down from SW Colorado or Shaun and Amanda will meet Casey and Justice somewhere in New Mexico, sometime in February.
Kate will go to Arkansas to live with her Grandma Sadie, BJ’s Mom! When Joe picks her up, I’ll write the neat story about this.
Gracie will go to Colorado to my Mom. I’ll take her out there in July.
Rosie and Junior are of course, staying here with us. I can’t wait to start them on goats! But first will come the basics, sit, stay, here, ect and of course, more tennis ball time too!
Moo Moo trying to blend in with the black and whites
Today my dear friend Barb and her dear hubby, Keith, came out and chose their puppy. It was a tough choice for them between Sarah and Kate. Barb fell in love with Rosie and kept telling me she knew exactly why I was keeping her!!
Sarah is very comfy!
I think what sealed the deal with their choice of puppy was when Barb picked Sarah up. Sarah was very comfy with Barb holding her, so comfy she was very sleepy. The puppies were tired, we had been outside playing ball and running for a bit. Barb turned Sarah over on her back, like a baby and Sarah promptly went to sleep!
Another great match for the puppies and their new Family!
So Sarah has cows, peacocks, goats, cats and another Border Collie named Maggie, to keep her company.
Keith has a daugher named Sarah, so this Sarah has been re-named “Boo Boo” as Keith calls her. Barb calls her “Miz Boo” and the names fit her to a T!
Keith and Boo Boo taking a snooze. Thanks for the pic Barb!
This morning Brutus went to his new home! His new family, Sandy and Harold, lost their Border Collie back in the summer. Their Son and Daughter In Law, Eric and Amy, picked Brutus out for Harolds Christmas! How cool of a gift is that!
Look at the beautiful blue eye Brutus has!
They live just outside of Altus and Amy works in the deli at Wal-Mart, so I’ll get updates on Brutus quite often!
Harold, Amy holding Brutus, Eric
As life changes constantly, so do plans. Loris’ parents were not able to get Frankie. The lady on the “stand by” list could not get a puppy at this time. So on Wednesday evening, (drum roll please) Frankie went to Don and his family AND Panda! Don called a hour or so after they took Panda home and said his wife wanted another puppy. So when Frankie became available, I knew who to ask!! LOL! I saw Don at work at Wal-Mart the next day and almost before I could finish my sentance of “Frankie is available” Don said, rather quickly “WE’LL take him!!”
Just look at those faces!
So now the Brothers (Panda and Frankie) are gonna be best friends with the Sisters (Don’s adorable daughters). That makes my heart very happy!
Frankie likes to give kisses!
My sweet little Panda also went to his new family on Monday evening. Don, who also works at Wal-Mart, and his adorable little girls came out. They fell in love with Panda, especially the oldest girl. She picked him up and cuddled with him. She held him like a baby and Panda was soaking it up. Again, the looks on the girls faces and Panda, I knew it was a great match!
Kids and Puppies are special together.
There is such a special bond between puppies and kids! Panda has 2 of his own now!
Aren't they cute together?
Monday evening my sweet little JW went to his new home in Altus. Shawn and Yvonne, whom both work at Wal-Mart and I get to see when I’m working, came out. When they got out of their car, I let BJ and Penny out so they could each other. I then said “I’m going to release the hounds” as I walked to the door. Some of the puppies were scratching on the French doors, and howling to be let out. I opened up the door and a flood of puppies streamed out and ran straight to Shawn and Yvonne.
I think JW is gonna be a Mamas boy!
They petted puppies, watched puppies, laughed at puppies and then Shawn picked up JW. He petted on him and such and then it was Yvonnes turn. JW immediately snuggled down and was so relaxed that I knew instantly this was a perfect match.
JW also has a 10 year old Sheltie, Whiskey, for a buddy and playmate.
This is a great match, don't you think!
I received several text photos last night from Shawn and Yvonne, showing JW sitting on Yvonnes lap as they watched the “Food Network” on tv! Thanks so much for those pictures guys, they made me smile and laugh. I’m looking forward to more updates and pictures of JW in his new home.
Penny is a hard working mama! She's daring the goats to touch the fence!
UPDATE AS OF JANUARY 25TH! Lori’s parents could not get Frankie so Don and his little girls took Frankie home!
The Puppy list has been updated!
1. ME ———- Rosie
2. ME————-Junior
3. Mom———–Gracie
4. Keith & Barbara—Kate OR Sarah
5. Joe & Lori————Kate OR Sarah
6. Amy & Eric———-Brutus
7. Casey——————Pete
8. Shawn & Yvonne——– JW
9. Don and Family——–Panda
10. don & Family———Frankie
So far, all the puppies are still with me, as schedules have changed for them to go to their new families. When they are picked up, you can bet that I’ll take pictures of them right then. I hope that I’ll get LOTS of pictures via e-mail of the puppies in their new homes too…… hint hint hint!!! LOL!
Frankie
Has it been 2 MONTHS already? Oh my gosh, this precious time that I’ve had with these precious pups, is coming to a end. Not a “that’s all folks” type of end, but MY time with them. This makes me sad and I’ve been dreading this time, BUT, it’s also an exciting time as well. These precious pups will be going to their new families to learn, to grow, to thrive. They will bring countless hours of joy and laughter to their new families, just as they have to me.
Brutus would not hold still for a good picture.
In two short months, these precious pups have grown from tiny things that would fit into the palm of my hand, into big, fluffy pups that take two hands and arms to hold them. Each has their own personality and each are like their parents. Penny is a head tilter. She’ll tilt her head from side to side when trying to figure out a noise. She also “talks” to me by clicking her teeth and “wuffing”. She sounds terribly fierce when she and BJ wrestle, she growls, she wuffs she grunts and it’s all in fun. These pups do the same thing. BJ is also a talker. Only he sounds like Chewbacca from Star Wars fame. I kid you not! He is also a grinner. He grins like a big ol teddy bear and it’s so cute! Some of the pups have shown that they can grin too. Some have tried to do the Chewbacca deal as well.
Gracie
The puppies can run pretty fast and they love it. They try new things, like stalking cats and learn real quick that the cats don’t take too kindly to that. We have a pretty neat routine, if I do say so myself. Our mornings start anywhere from 4-6a.m. I open the baby gate and say “Hey you puppies, let’s go potty” and it’s a mass stampede to the front door, including BJ and Penny. They run out into the dark to do their thing and about 20 minutes they are wanting to come in. They run in, I’ve learned to stand behind the door, down the hall and into the kitchen for some dry puppy food. I’ve not fed them any canned puppy food for several days now as some were getting poopy and Atwoods is out of the canned food. They eat, drink and run back into the living room where I am sitting on the floor, waiting for them. Some jump into my lap, some bark, some jump and dance, some try to jump up onto the couch to lick BJ’s face. We play, cuddle and I talk to each puppy, calling them by name. I tell them what good puppies they are and how cute they are. Some like to cuddle, some like to lick some like to touch their nose to mine. Some get so excited they nip. I talk to them sternly about that. Those little teeth are sharp!
Junior
They start to wear out about a hour and half after I let them out. They start to find places to take a nap and if it’s still really early, I nap on the couch.
JW, Rosie, Pete, Panda
When I’m home from work, during the day, we go outside quite often and play. They venture into goat pens, the un-fenced part of the front yard and they LOVE to play around the round bales.
Kate
About 4:00 in the afternoon, we go out to feed goats and the mares. The puppies frolic and watch with interest as the big dogs and I do our chores. Some follow us most everywhere now too.
BJ and Junior with Kate in the back
Evenings are wonderful. They nap a bit and then we are up and outside, if it’s warm enough, the front door is open a bit and they play in the front yard. I sit with them in the evenings too. Bedtime is midnight, so at 11 they go outside for about 30 mintues. They come in, snuggle and fall asleep. I carry them, one by one, into the kitchen, kissing their heads as we go. I place them on the puppy bed. When every puppy is in the kitchen I give them each a Milk Bone Puppy biscuit. I put a few extra in the bed. They lay there and eat their cookies and go to sleep. They are happy puppies!
Pile of Puppies!
I must say that these past 2 months have been so very happy for me. I have relished the time I’ve been able to spend with these little boogs. They have lifted my spirits, they have made me laugh. I can’t wait to get home from work to see them and to hold them. The pups are always so happy to see me too. Wes will call as he’s getting ready for work and say “The puppies are missing you!”
Sarah
I know that their new families will feel the same way about them and that the puppies will also feel the same.
