Snow

Growing up on a farm, we weren't really encouraged to like the snow.  Not that going out and playing in it was discouraged, it definitely wasn't.  But I grew up on a beef farm and many of my friends grew up on dairy farms.  The snow and cold temperatures made for some really long days.  I've seen machinery freeze up so it wouldn't function.  I've seen things on animals freeze up so that they wouldn't function!  Winter can be a real inconvenience.

Lots of extra hay needs to be put out for livestock too.
So before I go wishing for snow, I do take into consideration people like my dad and all the other farmers out there who have to put in extra hours to accommodate their animals.

But that doesn't mean it isn't beautiful!
I was a teacher too, and I'm married to one.  So snow means a day off!  I'd be lying if I said I don't get excited about it!

My boys, all 3 of them, totally love it too!

So do the dogs!

Back roads, before they clear them, are
great places to practice new tricks!

It also makes for a great little outing for the puppies!
They took it on with no fear!

This was their first time to see the stuff!

They didn't know what to think of the cold powder that came up to their bellies.  But they adjusted!

 The snow was packed down in no time!

Toys are a must-have no matter what you're doing!

So much playing made for some hungry, sleepy puppies!
They didn't fight to go back in the barn where they ate... and passed out.

I posted a video on our facebook page yesterday.  Try clicking here to view it if you haven't already.  Happy Tuesday, folks!  Our furry friends will start departing in just 3 days...

7 Weeks

It's been awhile since I've given an update on the puppies.  I apologize for that.

It isn't as if I have not been taking pictures.
I have.

We've successfully been able to get the puppies outside every single day for the last couple of weeks.

They have come to expect it  now.
And they have no consideration for personal
space. 

Everything is their chew toy.

I'm very glad for the mild temperatures most
days not only for them, but for me as well!

It's so good to watch them run outside.
Their coordination has really come a long way.

We've been letting them all out at once
too.  It's a good chance for them to all
play together.

Just gotta be sure to watch your step
when they're out here.

In the back is Annie, trying to bite at her puppies if they try to nurse.  In the front is Candy, who all 18 puppies have learned to run to when they're hungry.

Sometimes it gets dark on us.

That's not a bad thing, because the sunsets have been beautiful!

See?!

Today marks the 7 week birthday of Candy's litter!  We are down to just days with them instead of weeks.  I am happy to have so many anxious people contacting me with excitement about getting their puppy!  I sure do love them and it gives me some reassurance when I hear from these folks that they will too!

The Morgan Story

About a week ago, I posted this picture on our 
facebook page.  This is Morgan.  He needed a new 
home.  His owner suggested to my in laws that 
maybe we would want him for a dog that would just
be a pet.  
To which my mother in law replied, "NOOOO!!!"

What??

I thought it was a thoughtful suggestion.

So after that idea was shot down, I began to look for a new
home for him so his owners could focus on their need to move,
and pack, and deal with that whole transition.

Morgan has been their pet since he was
a puppy.  This was not easy for them.
But the place they were going wouldn't allow
pets.  They knew what was best for him and
that's what we were there for.

So I snapped these as they said goodbye
to their pal.

I think it helped that we brought
his future owner over to meet them.

Then we were off to his new home!  He was
nervous and happy.  And nervous.

So here he is now at his new home!

And here is his new owner!  Who just happens
to be my grandma!  So we'll get to see Morgan often!
My grandma lost her dog a couple of months ago and
has never been without a dog.  When we told her about
him she was excited!  I think they'll be a great fit!  He'll
go to a sweet lady in a calm home with the frequent visits from
all of her great-grandchildren!
A Happy Ending!

Thank you to the SO MANY of you out there interested in Morgan and willing to accept him as your family as well!  I needed more Morgans...I think that says something about this breed, no matter the age, people want them!!  I told the sweet couple so many times that I had no doubt that none of these people who contacted and talked to me would give him anything but the finest care he deserved.  It was a neat experience and I was glad to be a part in it.  Morgan's former owners were so appreciative that he had been found a caring new home.  As I said, they knew it had to happen, but please keep this couple and their upcoming journey in your prayers.  I am sad for them.  But I hope they will love their new home once they adjust!

This Week's Update

Exactly one week ago I posted about the
puppies...obviously.  But I also posted about
Candy and didn't feel like I gave Annie adequate
credit.

After reading it, it seemed I gave all credit to Candy, who don't get me wrong, deserved it.

But I definitely didn't mean that Annie is
not a good mother.  She is fantastic!

She is exceptional!
And she's exhausted.

She is the most protective of the two.
Always keeping an eye out for anything suspicious.

But...we all have our moments of showing
our weaknesses.  If you're casting judgement
you obviously have never had 8 puppies nursing
the life out of you to understand.
* She is actually just playing, no one was hurt.

At the end of the day, they both enjoy
their "me" time.

Glad we got that covered. Now on to the
puppies.
This week we weighed them.  They are
approximately 4 pounds!

We have been bundling up to get them out
every day for some exercise.

Sam built them new beds to give them
more room in the barn and they couldn't
wait to get in and try them out!

I am pretty sure they love it!  

It's a cozy spot not just for them!

Our pup, Lucy, is finally enjoying getting to play with the puppies!

And I think the puppies want this walking
boot off of my foot about as badly as I do! 

Happy Friday again, everyone!