The Final Chapter

The only puppy to leave our family in an unconventional way was Thomas. When he broke his leg on his 10th week old birthday, he had to wear a splint for the next 3 weeks, and a light wrap for the last week. I was so lucky to have a friend take on his charge for his rehabilitation. And now Thomas is free of splints, housebroken, and very much coming into his own. He gets to go to work every day with Tammy and stay in the inn at the veterinary clinic. He likes to bark a bit, especially to get a cat's attention. He also likes to "talk"--not a bark but just a "roo roo roo" when you talk to him. Tammy and her husband Ron have graciously opened their home to Thomas officially, and now he is a new resident of Greencastle, PA. He even got a wonderful new name, Lincoln, which I love. It suits him. The best part is that I get to see him once a week at work. So if I ever need a puppy fix, I can get it then. Lincoln will be Tammy's running partner, and he better start getting in shape now, since she runs at least 30 miles a week. But for right now, he can just be the silly pup that he is, and wait for the next cat to come along, so he can bark at it.

Going...Going.....GONE!

I have a definite bittersweet feeling as I sit here and type this entry. Good 'ole George went home with his new family tonight. They are a lovely couple. Their kids are grown and they have been dogless for 7 years. George is their new "kid". George did his usual display of ear-biting, hair-pulling, and retrieving of his floppy pink poodle toy. In between his antics, he laid on his back and allowed a little belly scratching and was sure to give them a few of his sweet, long gazes. It has always amazed me at how good he was at eye contact. He is one sharp puppy, and I think they will enjoying him immensly.

So now we are puppy-less, (unless Thomas comes back) and it feels a bit strange. It is always hard to say good-bye to the last one, and since we had been through so much with George, it made it a bit harder.

Last, but not Least

I just want to take a minute and say something about George, our last puppy. George is not the last pick of this litter. Actually, George could have gone home with several other people that came out to pick a puppy. I just wouldn't let him go. He was still on medication, and I just wouldn't sell him until he was absolutely 100% better. Now, George is 100%. He was on a very long treatment regime to make absolutely sure that he would not have any relapse with his strangles. My vet and I were very careful to do a very long, and slow taper of his medicine to make sure that he would be fine, and he is. George is completely over his cellulitis and will not have to go down that road again in his life. George is very smart, eager to please, and when he wags his tail, his whole hind end shakes. He knows how to sit, and does it well. He comes readily when called. George will have a visitor coming tomorrow to look at him, but as of right now, he still needs a home. George got a little extra snuggle time in bed tonight, as we aren't sure if this will be his last night with us.
George's visitor for today cancelled out, so he is totally available right now!

Going....Going......

Theo, more often known these days as Teddy (Roosevelt), found a new home. He has a beautiful housemate, Remy, to get to know as well. She wasn't too sure of the pups today as she visited, but something tells me she and Teddy will be great friends before the sun goes down. Teddy is just that...a big teddy bear. He is so big and loveable and we are so glad that he will be loved in his new home near Leesburg, Virginia. We'll miss the big Teddy.

Going.....

The new "grand dog" takes a rest in Grandma's arms.

Clara kissing her new mom.

Clara left this morning, and although we will miss her, she will be having fun. She gets to go live with her two brothers, Quinn and Logan, in Westminster, Maryland. They are her older full brothers from last year's litter. They are pretty full of energy now, and are just as big as Sam. They came for the visit too, and had a good time romping with brother Sam. Clara's new name will be a nice Irish name, Brenna. She won't be at a loss for doggie companionship.