Puppies grow so fast. This is Zeus from the Wildflowers at 9+ months old with one of his humans.
Thank you, Penny
Also from the Wildflowers, this is Kjempe living his best life in Colorado.
Thank you, Mariya
The placement of puppies is a heavy lift. It is our responsibility to ensure each of the lives we have intentionally created are respected, honored, and loved in their new homes.
Bright Stars Orion and Lyra
The tricky part is that everyone thinks their home is just fine for a new puppy and suggesting otherwise is — understandably — insulting.
Moonshadow Kale
But I am the one who is charged with assessing just fine for these puppies, and the responsibility weighs on me.
I spy a Moonshadow eye — Hunter
Being judgmental is not a quality to which I aspire, and yet — I must judge.
I value diversity of thought — and yet I am looking for homes that are willing to at least go along with my thinking about what is best for a dog.
I enjoy making people happy — and yet I will disappoint good people.
Ears up! The ability to hear is emerging.
You would think ten plus ten puppies, with all their messes and needs — and laundry! — would be the hard part of being a breeder; it is not. The hardest part about being a loving breeder is placing puppies, and then living with those choices for a lifetime.
Moonshadows Taking Turns
It should not be a big surprise, therefore, that my #1 criteria for puppy placement has to do with sleep.
Bright Stars Heze and Zaniah on a cozy sibling
Specifically, I ask myself: Will I lose sleep about this home? Will worry about this puppy’s life keep me up at night?
Moonshadows Arche and Metis
#sleepmatters
It is a tough balance between respecting differences and being comfortable enough not to worry. I do not always get it right but I always try.
I hope your day is comfortable and respected; we all deserve both.
Evening Update
Moonshadows Arche and Kale
Moonshadow Neil
A Moonshadow — see the eye?
A stressful day as Claire has been under the weather, complete with a fever, vomiting, and refusing to eat. Two phone calls to the vet (she is the best). Not mastitis — likely a uterine crud issue. Antibiotics on board and this evening she is perking up — whew.
Claire and Sirius
The Bright Stars are all doing just fine. The ear perking up thing has been happening all day — adorable.
Bright Star Sirius getting serious
Bright Star Capella
Bright Star Zaniah