Lenore sent me this photo tonight of Garnett, our puppy’s mother, all she said was “Garnett’s getting bigger!” Exciting to see, she’s due to give birth on September 20, and there’s a female puppy in there for me, I’ll bring it home in November.
This week has been a bit rough and tumble for me, broken stoves, cars, crowns in my teeth, ridge caps on the barn. I woke up early this morning and asked myself if I really wanted a puppy, and why?
Don’t I have enough to do? Am I getting too old to chase a puppy around? Do I really need to have to come up with another $2,500?
Whenever I get a new dog, I like to ask these questions, it’s important for me to think about getting a dog, and what kind of dog I want to get, and what kind of life I wish to live with this dog.
Lab puppies can be a handful, they are world-class chewers and chasers, thus the name “retriever.”
I talked with Maria about this and I didn’t take long to answer yes, I really do need a puppy, and I really want one. Maria agrees. It’s what we do, she said, wisely.
I love everything about dogs, having them, training them, teaching them, photographing them, writing with them at my feet, riding around in my car, watching Maria melt before a Yellow Lab puppy.
Dogs are an integral part of my life, the farm, my work, my blog, my pictures.
Yes, I need a dog, I am sure. I can’t think of a better tribute to pay to Red, than to get another dog.
Seeing Garnett’s belly start to swell up and her nipples protrude, I had no doubts that I want a puppy, no doubts about this one, no doubts about how I am getting it, and from whom.
Dogs have always helped define me, pay my bills, inspire my writing on my blog and in books, shape my photography, bring me to love and connection. Every dog I have ever had has made me a better person in one way or another.
No time to stop now. I have a long way to go.
beautifully written!
Puppies keep us young and very sharp! Of course you need a puppy. No puppy could get a better home!
I think the dogs needs you too. You are good for each other.
Cheers to your baby Zinnia who will be here soon!
She is practicing the position for feeding her puppies. She knows how to be a good mom.
She is such a beauty and i cannot wait to experience a puppy with you. it is very exciting and the perfect way to honor Red.
I’m really enjoying reading about your wanting a puppy, having doubts about wanting a puppy, thinking about what you want to do with a puppy. I’ve been doing all the same sort of things about getting a new dog! Good luck with your puppy and wish me luck with my new Airedale, who is supposedly arriving on Sept. 14.
Great luck Barbara, lucky dog..
Yikes. I feel like I could have written this post. (Not as beautifully, of course.) Flying round trip to Oregon to pick up a new puppy this weekend and have been agonizing about the decision ever since I made it. It’s been ages since I had a 10-week old puppy. But I’ve done it before. I will do it again. I will help her grow up and she will help me stay young. And on my toes.
Great luck, Jill…I predict nothing but joy..for both of us…(maybe some hard work also)
Definitely some hard work. I am not looking forward to the teething stage. But with hard work comes great rewards and companionship in the truest sense of the word. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement.
LOL, quit second guessing yourself! Just think of puppy breath!!!!! 🙂
Puppies keep your mind sharp and your heart soft. Best of joys with your new pup. Mine just arrived. A small red Aussie girl named Calina…heres to puppy eyes looking at you. Thank you for your awesome books & blog?