Some of the Bright Stars

The 10 + 10 continue to do well in their new homes, which is so wonderful for me to hear. As you might imagine, suddenly losing them after weeks and weeks of being devoted to their every need is a wild mix of emotions. Thank you to all the new families for keeping in touch.

This is Bright Star Zuber Heze in New Hampshire.

Littermate Fauci Orion in Maryland with his Snuffle Ball. You bury treats in those and the puppy uses his/her nose to find them. Excellent way to feed puppies. I have a Snuffle Mat (thanks, Alison) but I have not seen a Snuffle Ball — very cool.

Bright Star Sage Mirak is enjoying Arizona…

Dear Husband arrived home on Friday evening from six days in Alaska where he flew to deliver Suki Lyra to her new family.

She is doing well and Dear Husband had a grand adventure. He even managed to get a moose photo for me!

Capella continues to do well and one puppy is ridiculously easy…

It is all about perspective!

Have a Happy Sunday.

Claire Update

As most know, one of the consequences of pregnancy for Claire was two blown cruciate ligaments. The experts point to the hormone Relaxin as the culprit.

Surgical repair (TPLO) is the gold standard treatment — she had her right leg done 24 days ago; the left leg is still supported by the custom brace from OrthoPets.

Claire has been on strict confinement/very limited activity but she is now healed enough for supervised sessions with Capella, which they both enjoy.

Here is Claire playing with her baby in a confined space, on mats, with no hair and about 12 pounds underweight…

Our veterinarian has encouraged me not to add too much weight back on Claire until after the second surgery as being thin is better but yes — it is hard to see her so out of condition.

That said, Claire is happy, eating well, and ready for TPLO #2 — that will happen on Wednesday and then we can get started on that long Rehab Road. I am looking forward to getting her back to this again…

I am reminded not to take anything for granted.

Have a grand day — and don’t forget to acknowledge your many blessings.

Toys and Bones

Don’t let a puppy’s innocent face fool you…

Harper B for Be Gone, Nap Interrupter and Capella, the Nap Interrupter

…trusting them to keep themselves safe is a Bad Idea. Puppies have no sense of self-preservation. This is why they are born in litters — so a few survive to adulthood. Our goal is 100%!

It is the job of humans to keep puppies safe from their own bad instincts. This means that puppies should not be trusted off-leash when cars and other dangers are present, and we need to be very careful with toys that have chewable pieces.

Exhibit A

A puppy’s need to chew can be deadly and/or result in an obstruction surgery. But yes — they need to chew.

I let Capella have a frozen bone each morning, which is not easy on this squeamish vegetarian…

Yuck! I cannot even show in full bloody color.

3 - 4 inches long seems okay for a puppy but I still supervise bone-chewing. High-end dog food stores often have suitable bones as do some grocery stores.

I also watch Capella closely with toys — if she seems too interested in chewing on one piece, I take it away (and pray she poops out any pieces she may have swallowed).

We cannot be perfect but we can and should be vigilant and aware.

Have a safe day!