Releasing the puppies

For the past 7 weeks, my family has been absorbed by the sweetest litter of puppies produced by my sister’s dog, Britney. Born on August 18, they have been the subject of many a telephone call, Facebook entry, photo op, video shoot and visit simply to romp with them. Clefty, the little one that passed on (see my blog of September 8) is missed, even as his brother and sisters have grown by leaps and bounds to become the frolicking puffs of fluff that are now ready to go to their new homes.

Ahh – what a sweet sadness! To release puppies to their now owners is the hardest part of welcoming new pups into your life. They have become an integral part of our daily lives – from my first call in the morning to enquire of their welfare and latest antics to the admonition to my children to finish their homework early so we can go to visit the pups. They now know my voice – emerging from beneath my nephew’s bed one by one, like dancers entering the stage from the wings of a theatre the minute I enter the home with my usual fanfare. From today, that will be no more. The first puppy went to its new home yesterday, four more will go today.

What a sadness! And yet, what a joy! To see the difference that our previous litters of puppies have made brings the greatest of wonder. Lives have literally been transformed, as so many people have come to know the unconditional love of a dog. Our puppies are very special, as they grow in an environment of total love. It is a such a celebration when they are with us. It is no wonder that they bring so much love to others. This litter will be no different. It has started already – the new owner of the puppy that left yesterday, took one look at her and told us “That one – I have her on my vision board”. There is such an excitement in the air as the new owners spent yesterday preparing for the puppies they will collect today. And I know that this is only the beginning of the love affair.

This puppy experience is the ultimate free and laughing moment – being present to their sweetness, from the intoxicating smell of their breath to the soft, squirming cuddliness of their tiny bodies; observing every single moment of cuteness and adorability; and now the sweet release – letting go of them as they head off to carry out their puppy purpose of bringing joy to all; accepting that it is time for them to go; trusting that they will be fine and that they are going to the right and perfect home; and of course, love – for the puppies themselves, and for my family – my sister with whom puppyhood forms an unbreakable bond, and my children, niece and nephew who are learning how the love of puppies also means love of family.