Monday, December 13, 2010

Be Careful What You Ask For

Now that our days of long, long driving trips around Mexico are over, I have been thinking about getting a dog again. I have been checking out shelters and researching breeders. I just couldn't decide if a)I wanted a purebred or a rescue and b)if I really wanted that level of responsibility in my life again.

Early last week I came across an entry in our local dog rescuer's blog. She told the story of a poodle mix mother that was basically being kicked out onto the street......with her 7 newborn babies! Of course Alison came to the rescue and the mama and babies were safely ensconced with our local vet. I was strangely outraged by this story of neglect and heartlessness more than by any other I had ever heard.

It got me to thinking. Bob and I raised purebred Wirehair Fox Terriers and know a thing or two about how to raise a litter of puppies to be good citizens. Why not offer to foster this mama and help her raise her babies in a loving, calm, warm and nuturing environment? I had barely gotten the idea out of my mouth when Bob said, "Go check it out!" He didn't have to tell me twice.


So meet as yet unnamed Mama Dog.







She is as sweet as the day is long. She desparately wants to be a spoiled lap dog. You came to the right house, Baby! But first things first.


Meet the Puppies!






There are seven of them. I haven't counted the number of boys vs girls yet.** I'm too excited and am paying more attention to their health and well-being right now to worry about those details. And they all appear healthy. Fat little sausages at this point. One is a bit smaller than the rest but that means nothing at this age. Which, by the way, was 6 days old when I took this picture last Friday. They were born on December 4.


I feel like my whole world has been turned upside down right now. But in a very good way. I'm so enjoying this experience already. Of course, I don't have to do much at this point except ooooh and aaah and talk baby talk. Mama is very good with them.

For now, we are just fostering this Mama and babies with the intention that they will all go up for adoption when the puppies are 8 weeks of age. They should make wonderful pets for somebody by then.

Any bets as to whether or not one, or more, of them stays right here?

** 4 girls, 3 boys

20 comments:

Ann said...

The Mom is adorable & so are the puppies. There's nothing like cuddling with a puppies ( or 3 or 4!) I think at least 2 will be staying!

Calypso said...

Of course what we already knew - WAYNE YOU ARE A SOFTIE!

Nancy said...

They're so sweet. You're doing a wonderful thing, Wayne. Thank you for taking in the mama and her babies.

IslaZina said...

I am so happy for you. Now your Isla Mujeres life is complete. Remember the drill: "Muerde? Cuando yo dice."

Merida Mikey said...

Think of it this way - Christmas came early at your house!

Congratulations for taking in Mama and the tribe! I'm more than 100% certain that some of these lovable critters will be hanging around for the rest of their natural lives.

Wayne, you done good!

Anonymous said...

Good show, Wayne ..... they are the best therapy a man can have ...

BTW, how are the kitties reacting?

O Robert

jeanie said...

Whegyn I read Alison's post my heart ached. What a wonderful thing for you and B to do. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Anonymous said...

A footnote to my post:

I don't mean to be a killjoy, but guard these babies and their Mom carefully. For some reason, maybe based on past horror stories, I fear for them. Keep them close.

And enjoy the hell outta 'em.

O Robert

KfromMichigan said...

You are a great person! They are so adorable. I think the MAMA and one baby will stay with you.

Steve Cotton said...

I can hear the click click click of a puppy on Isla tiles, Is that you, Cebolla?

Anonymous said...

I did my part and brought one back from Isla the last time I was there. She is 7 years old now and what a sweet baby. Her name is Suertuda.

Gloria
Roanoke, VA

Anonymous said...

At what age does the local vet spay or neuter the puppies?? and what is the cost????? Same cost for spaying the mama????

jackie said...

"She desparately wants to be a spoiled lap dog." I am sure she will be. I predict that you will fall in love with them and have hard letting some of them go.

Jane said...

How touching and sad, yet relieved, is the expression on the mother's face. Great Christmas love story you've shared. God bless you and Bob!

Linda said...

What cute puppies! Bless you both for taking them in!

May no one ever break in again (without suffering at least a few bites!!!)

Linda
Isla Chica

Jonna said...

Oh... they are precious!! I'm so glad you and B did this, you are heroes. You will have mom's devotion forever and I hope she is one that gets to stay. What great guys you are, love you.

drgeo said...

Mama dog looks a little worn out to be on her toes as a guard dog, but rumor has it "birth" is tiring. You wanted one guard dog and now you have 8 ! I guess each dog could patrol just a single room!
I once owned a half standard poodle/half Lab and it was my best dog ever. I recommend Neutra-Cal puppy vitamin paste for the puppies to enhance their native brain power. It seems to be mostly molasses with vitamins in it. If you think 2 am feedings are fun, just wait until their eyes open! Will you be passing out Cuban cigars?

lisa said...

Boy, are they adorable! But I am glad you have them and not me!

Anonymous said...

Got poop?

-D

Patricia W. said...

Lucky you..... A new life. Thanks for your beautiful blog. Do you want to trade links? I live in the Lake Chapala area. My blog is MexicoDailyLiving.blogspot.com thanks, Patricia