This Blog has several functions, including sharing cute puppy photos and puppy updates.
Another function of my posts is helping people to sort out whether we are a good fit — by writing, I reveal things that are important to me in a puppy home. This allows people to opt out or opt in based on the congruence (or lack thereof) of our values, practices, and so on.
I started to write, “it isn’t personal” but then I realize it is 100% personal — we are, after all, talking about things that are all about ourselves and that is absolutely personal. What it isn’t meant to be is insulting — it is okay for us to value different things.
When people write to me, they are also revealing things — to a licensed mental health provider and long-time educator. Good and/or bad, I wear those lenses at all times.
It means I know all of us are wonderfully imperfect — but yes, it also means I am tuned in a different way to things that could be problematic in the life of a puppy.
And so when I am considering placing puppies I have this multi-layer assessment thing going on that is complicated and nuanced but the bottom line is this: Will I lose sleep over this puppy’s life? Will I worry?
If the answer is yes — my answer is no puppy.
I know that doesn’t land well. I know it hurts and feels like judgment — because it is a judgment. But it is a judgment about goodness of fit, and that involves all of us — me, the puppy, and the potential home.
I am aware this process seems so foreign to those who expect to slap down some money and take home a puppy — but that is what you do when the central focus for the breeder is money.
That is definitely not me.
Clarkia
I am an imperfect person trying to find perfect lives for the Wildflowers. I know it is an impossible task because we are all human and therefore imperfect — but it doesn’t stop me from trying.
And speaking of trying — Sage is feeling a bit smug and boastful this morning, which is a little surprising given that he lost his Heavyweight title to Lupine.
You see, Sage was the busybody this morning after the early out-of-the-box nursing session. He went on a walkabout…
…and then he decided to try and summit Mt. Daisy!
Personally, I think it is cheating when you use your siblings as steps but whatever — he did it! Hence the smug boastfulness.
And then he wasn’t quite sure what to do next. After thinking it through, he simply slid down the back of Daisy and continued on his busybody day.
He rehearsed for the Montana Puppy Choir. Daisy’s look is one mothers everywhere recognize.
Then he settled in to chew on Daisy…
…and finally he fell asleep.
This puppy was playing Bite the Tail — or trying to! They are not very coordinated just yet.
Milk Coma — this is Mallow.
Day 16 video — watch with sound but brace yourself because the Montana Puppy Choir is a thing. Click HERE to watch.
EVENING: PHOTOS FROM THE DAY
I think the puppies are starting to hear sound — they are picking up their little ears. This is Clover illustrating that…
The plastic lid got a lot more use today — this is Mariposa.
Mother-daughter chat.
I love this photo.
Truth be told, Clarkia is a bit of a Drama Llama. She was just parked and practicing her solo for the Montana Puppy Choir.
A puppy posse — Paintbrush with the open mouth.
Clarkia spent some time going up and down the chair, and then used it for a pillow.
A cute look at Buttercup — she is a very sweet puppy.
Bonus video — it is super short and make sure to watch with sound. Click HERE — and yes, it is Clarkia again.