Wow, I almost feel like I can breathe, but not quite yet. I've been waiting (albeit not so patiently) to hear about Leo, who is in transit to his new home.

Today the 12th puppy went out into the world. Bittersweet as always but, different this time because we know him so well.

It's an answer to prayer to know he's going to be the apple of their eyes and I'm sure the best dog they've ever known. For me, hands down, Bergamasco, the dog of a lifetime.

Yay Bergamasco!

A beautiful fall day and we want to offer toys and run in the yard--except for Chris who gives up too soon!

Really, he had an appointment and couldn't stay, but we're glad he came here in the middle of the day because everybody is so happy to PLAY!

It really isn't any different to be inside during the summer heat in Texas than it is to be inside during a wintry blizzard or cold below zero in the North. Through the window, it just looks like you would enjoy being out there...until you open the door!
There is plenty of space inside and enough patience to go around most of the time. Towards the afternoon you can start to feel the excitement mounting up because they are ready to run and play for all they are worth. We are catching a lot more sunsets and sunrises these days.

It's been 6 weeks. How did I spend my summer vacation? I don't know but it is SPENT!
So much rain here in Texas. I keep thinking, soon we will dry out, soon we will brush and groom the dogs, sweep and mop and it will last MORE THAN ONE DAY. It has not happened yet....

Our vacation time has come and gone. The pups are romping around like crazy and the heat is .... hot... We get to a certain point in TX where I vow to stop complaining about it and we are almost there.
Soon walks will be early in the morning and late at night. Could the dogs stand it? Yes, but I'm rather delicate and since I decide when is walk time, well it's earlier and later from now until September.

I'm sure I didn't know what this meant before now.

I have heard breeders say that their dogs were socialized with the parents and other pets. I thought "Oh, that's good..." but I had no idea what that really meant. As a pet parent I did the research to help integrate my newbie into the mix. I never gave their previous experiences a lot of thought. After seeing it with my own eyes--I won't soon forget what an eye-opening time it's been for me to see the pups, parents, our other pets all adjusting and finding their places.
I hear from our new puppy parents that these little ones have done SO WELL and submitted to the other dogs in their new families. Bosco really knows what she's doing! I never seem to run out of amazement for the Bergamasco Breed!

Once upon a time I spent a rainy day with just Bosco. I can barely remember what that is like. This is Bosco on the day we picked her out from her 9 litter mates in CA. Other people are experiencing that same joy now -- because of the pups. I have to keep reminding myself this is why we did this. NOT so we could keep them and be sad when they go.
It is sad because we will miss them, but more it is joy for others.

Yes, I know it's a small thing for God to help me find great homes for these pups. He cares for all creatures, and I am one of His.

I think I finally have dug up all the poisonous wild onions--at least I know where they are. They are where the pups sniff and eat. Bergamasco puppies to wild onions are like pigs to truffles. They root and paw and chew and you KNOW they are there!

It's been a quiet day so far, no hawks, no barking (not much anyway). Still, this sinking feeling... where are the people who will love these pups the way they deserve to be loved? My prayer isn't fancy or much really at all, just "Lord help me, help my unbelief, forgive me, forgive my unbelief. Send the right people now Lord"

All day yesterday they flew in and out of the back patio where they nested last year only to find 15 yapping dogs out there! I hope somewhere in their little 'bird brains' they realize they should go to plan b... find another ledge...Please!

All this time I’ve been telling everyone how smart these puppies are. I’m going to change it to TOO smart! Bergamasco puppies are like THE BORG of the “Star Trek Next Generation” saga. No matter what I come up with to thwart the attack, they overcome, assimilate and annihilate me. Geesh! It’s like they’re sharing one brain or something… As soon as one gets it, they all get it!