A lot of times I will get asked the question. “ How do you let the pups go !” or “ Do you feel bad when the pups leave ?”.

My answer is usually something like “ I love to see them come and I love to see them go! “.

It is incredible to watch the pups be born. The miracle and violence in which a new born pup, comes forth from their mother’s womb , gasping for that first breath as it’s great initiation into the world is amazing. It is a miracle that we all take for granted, whether it be a pup or a human life. The sustaining care that a mother gives to a pup by instinct, knowing just what to do and when to do it. Seeing pups born with closed ears and eyes and then at about 3 weeks of age seeing their eyes open and noticing that they can hear. Experiencing the different stages as they come out of the whelping room and into the puppy room where they begin to learn, communicate and desire human attention and affection.

Then, they are with me a while and off to their new homes at 8 weeks of age.

There is a natural divide between 7 and 8 weeks of age. The mom is done nursing, the pups are beating each other up pretty bad and start to get unruly. There just comes a time when you know you have done the best you can to raise and care for the pups as they grow….and then they need a family of their own. There is a measure of love and attention that the pups need that I could never sustain. It is great when families come and they are happy to be joined to their new pup and have a pre determined love and commitment to the newest member of their family.

A family is happy, the doggy mom is sick of nursing pups, I am tired of picking up the poop, it is time to tear down the puppy room, get out the bleach, clean and get ready for whatever new litters might be next.

I love to see them come and i love to see them go!