A friend asked if I had homes picked out for the puppies. No, she said, she was not looking for a canine sibling for her dog — she just finds “the CIA worthy process” fascinating.
She went on to say she imagines a color-coded spread sheet, fluid samples, finger prints, secret agents, and yes — a writing sample (she is also an educator).
She knows me well.
I have too many home options for the puppies. This is a good problem to have but it means disappointing people, which I do not enjoy.
Sage and Larkspur in the foreground, Clarkia and Mariposa behind
The truth is my commitment is to the puppies — they are my priority — and so I will make decisions that won’t land well on humans in order to do what I believe is best for the puppies.
Mariposa
Our website offers clues to what I value in potential homes. For example, I clearly identify we place puppies with those “…who are committed to giving our intelligent dogs an interesting life, and who value — and will contribute to — data transparency and integrity.”
How do we know if someone offers an interesting life for a dog and values data transparency and integrity?
Past behavior is an important predictor of future behavior.
Larkspur — he is a bit of a poser!
In addition, my commitment to community should be evident: “thoughtfully-bred Kaibab puppies are placed with engaged members of the Berner community, and those seeking to join our community.”
I do not have grab ‘em and go puppies. Rather, I think in terms of building community around puppies — not losing them to strangers.
A child can never be loved well by too many adults.
In the same way, a puppy benefits from having a smart, caring community around her or him.
In fact, I think the benefits of community and teamwork are so important to a puppy that the CIA worthy vetting process my friend noted absolutely includes assessment of ability and willingness to play well with me — and others — in the puppy sandbox, so to speak.
I won’t judge those who prefer to just go it alone with their puppy (which won’t be one of mine, by the way) — if you agree not to judge my more Kumbaya approach to Life with Dogs.
Evening: Photos from the Day
Clarkia
Buttercup
Paintbrush and Buttercup
Mallow
Larkspur and Lupine
Mariposa and Clover
Mariposa
Paintbrush
Good night!