The experience of being a Fur-baby Doula and Grand-Ma-Ma has been delightful. Never did I imagine that, in this lifetime, I’d have one more chance to care for another litter of brand new, squeaking little puppies. From their birth, we’ve watched over them. Tomorrow is the day they’ll transition to their California home to enjoy the springtime of their lives.
Their next home will have three eager caretakers who love them as much as we do. They’ve been waiting for nightly pictures as the pups, who started out very much the size and look of gophers, have turned into little dogs. The pictures are adorable, but nothing can compare to a Wook-let grunting and snuggling next to your heart. There are somethings videos just can’t capture even with the best technology.
Wookie will get a California vacation, as well. She’ll be recuperating in the lap of luxury with her Cali gang around the grounds next to the pool enjoying seriously nice digs. She does have a love interest over there. Please don’t tell Oliver. It’s time for the pups to meet their real dad. Oliver doesn’t need to know. Wookie is HIS girl.
The Mysterious Marine and I will surely miss watching the pups meet their milestones. We wish we could screen every new home before little Bingo, Tiger, and the gang move on. Their new owners should come equipped with 2.5 children, plenty of balls and toys, a comfy bed, and lots of love. But then, we won’t be making those decisions. That’s the job of the California crew.
The California Crew is highly qualified, with their own set of experts at the ready. The Mysterious Marine is Dad to some of the crew and Grandpa to the rest. Rest assured, the plan comes together. We were given the easy part. Now the real work begins, left to the youngers of the family. The Wook-lets will leave sweet pawprints on our hearts.
The puppies have taught me a few things. Good things come to those that wait. Never, ever think you have God figured out. Sometimes pups come four days early and wait 14 days to open their eyes. Little puppies learn a safe heartbeat very quickly. Dogs bond quickly as humans. They know who they can trust for a warm cuddle.
Little Tiger will take a piece of my heart to her new home. She’d better get the best, because she’s the pick of the litter. Little Bingo showed that just because you are half the size of your sisters, you can still be the cute, even if you complain often. Wookie showed me that there is love enough to spread to anyone who needs it, including seven of the fattest little Wook-lets you’ve ever seen. Smiling through it all, she’s been an amazing example of strength, courage, and patience. She has smiled through the entire experience.
Each day, as we’ve watched their every movement, the Wook-lets have changed and grown. We did our part to love and nurture them, laying the foundation for sound canine companions that have a lot of work to do in their lives. Dog is GOD spelled backwards. These little ones are heavenly. We’ll miss them a bunch.
While Wookie is enjoying four weeks of Cali-Canine-Capers, the Mysterious Marine has a little work ahead of him. There are carpets to shampoo and a Wook-let nursery that’ll transform back into a boring office. No more squeals in the night from puppies that strayed too far away from mom. No more freshly baked chicken breast and cottage cheese for a hungry Wookie. Just the best memories of time spent with them that he was so kind to share with me.
Today, Oliver is heading off to puppy camp for a visit with his friends. It’s been while since he’s seen the gang. California isn’t Ollie’s cup of tea. He hates cities. He’s a desert dog, through and through. Besides, the Wook-lets irritate his bachelor soul. He’s never had puppies of his own and would like to keep it that way. They take way too much patience. Nope. He’d much rather have a bachelor weekend with the guys.
Over the mountain and through the woods we’ll go. God, please grant us travel mercies as we head West. It may be a very long three hour ride.
Whatever you do today, remember those pets that wait for you at the Rainbow Bridge. Pets make life so much richer. Smile about the ones that have gone before and hug the ones that sleep at the foot of your bed. And, please, don’t forget the treats.
More tomorrow.