The white dog-Fiona

There were four white puppies from Brut and Silver's litter.  They were a "surprise" to us when they were born.  We would have never guessed to have any white puppies, being that Brut was a sable color Husky and Silver was black Lab.  There were three boys and one girl.  They were kind of ugly when they were born with their pink skin showing and their thin, wet white fur almost translucent. They were quite a shock to us. We discovered later that Brut's grandma was an all white Husky and the color came from her.  

I had planned on keeping a black and white one from said litter named, Angel, but when the pups were three days old, I changed my mind.  I watched the white female, the runt of the litter, kicking ass to get to mom's teat.  She put her whole heart into it and I had to keep her.  There was just something about the way she fought that day to keep up with her brothers and sisters, that I couldn't let her go.  We named her Fiona.  

Fiona was the most affectionate of the 24 Paws.  She gave plenty of kisses and took lots of love in return.  She was also the jester of the bunch doing anything to make us laugh.  She had a full time job with me and my depression.  She earned her keep.  

Fiona was the sh*t roller of the 24 Paws.  Of course, being a white dog, she loved to roll in anything stinky.  I remember one time on a walk we were taking, just the two of us, she put her jester and rolling skills together.  She must have rolled in this deer poop for about ten or fifteen times.  She'd roll then stand up and do it again.  I was laughing so hard with each roll that she just kept doing it.  It was hilarious and so much fun.  

Fiona had a wicked side as well.  She ignored dogs on walks or at the vet, but had it out for Chance and Blaze.  Fiona was one of the reasons we couldn't blend the two packs.  She was the instigator the few times the door between the two packs wasn't latched. And while Fiona and Zappa never fought, she would show her teeth to him sometimes when she was possessing something like the couch.  

On the flip side, Fiona was my girly girl.  She was feminine, but very strong emotionally and mentally.  She was everything I could've wanted in a female dog.  And she was so beautiful.  Fiona got compliments all the time on her beauty.     

Three years ago today, I lost that precious love.  It is good to write down the memories as they begin to float to the surface.  My sweet girl, gone too soon.  ♥

An innocent man behind the 24 Paws

Brut and Silver's litter of ten turned 12 years old on January 2nd.

Out of the ten, four are with us as the 24 Paws of Love.

Two are still alive and we still visit.

Two have passed on.

And two are in the wind.

We celebrated all their lives through Zappa, Fiona, Chance and Blaze with cake and presents.

It has been one hell of ride that we would do over again if asked.

I never would have believed that these puppies would change my life so drastically and dramatically.

Not just because they are Brut and Silver's pups and that both of their spirits shine through,

but also because we would be totally lost without them/

They have survived both of their parents and are carrying on the legacy Brut and Silver began.

I never believed in having puppies.  You hear all the time how wrong it is when there are so many sheltered and abuse animals needing love.  

And I agree.  I had totally closed my mind to the thought, when in walked Mark into my life and we got Silver.  I remember that day vividly.  We had barely got Silver in the car, when Mark said, "Wouldn't it be great to have puppies with her?"

I have been through many battles in my head over his innocent desire to breed Silver and have her puppies.  Severe battles of right and wrong and what was God's will for us.

Years of programming about spaying and neutering, over breeding, puppy mills, overcrowded shelters and abuse.  I felt like I was constantly violating some sort of oath by even considering breeding Silver.  

And then there was Mark, who always wanted a dog, but was never able to have a pet growing up.  He was innocent from all the rules and regulations that I was bound by and knew nothing of the cruelty and abuse that happens in the pet world.  He had been completely sheltered to what I had been over exposed to.  He could not fathom anyone ever hurting an innocent animal.  Not only were we at opposite side of the spectrum, there were all of fears of the pregnancy, the births, raising them and giving them to strangers.  

I was riddle with guilt of all sorts.  

And this was when having puppies were just in the talking stages. 

It was probably at that point our relationship that I put my whole trust in Mark and his innocent beliefs.  I still had much inner conflict, but I also put that wholehearted trust into Silver and let her guide us and make the ultimate  decision.  

And that's why these puppies are such a blessing.  They were chosen. 

From the beginning.  Long before the mating and the conception.  Mark and I were 100% committed.  With our love, our time, our money, and our faith.  And we will be committed until the end and beyond.  

All ten puppies can trust and know our love, no matter where they are, no matter the circumstances...til death due we part. 

And I am so grateful for this innocent man following his heart and how he changed mine to have Zappa, Fiona, Chance and Blaze today celebrating their 12th birthday.

They are priceless.

Happy Birthday Puppies!

    

TGIF!

Oh, how I love my dogs!  Just as it seems my world is full of gloom and doom, they are right there trying to cheer me up and giving me another reason to carrying on. 

It's been a long week for us here at the 24 Paws of Love, so how about ending the week with some fuzzy puppy pictures! 

 Have a good weekend!

Blaze chewing on Daddy Mark's boot.  Nom! Nom!

Sweet Daddy Brut getting a break from the kids while napping on their blanket.

Zappa (l) and Blaze (r) playing with the boot.

One of Chance's brothers, working on the boot!

"T-bone" (l) and Blaze (r) with their own toys.

Momma dog Silver on the run trying to save her teats!

Did you get Puppy Fever when your dog died?

I did.  About a month after Brut died, that gaping hole in my heart was crying for someone to love.  This was after learning of someone my husband knew had a litter of Great Dane puppies that were all black.  My favorite color mixed with a dog I'd always wanted to have.  I was excited just thinking about it and it distracted me from the pain of losing Brut, but when I thought it through completely, I had to face the fact that I wasn't ready for another dog in our lives.  Six dogs had tipped the scales and even after most of the fear and misery that came with Brut was gone, five dogs was enough.  Five dogs were plenty and we had to take into consideration our living arrangement with two packs.  It didn't seem fair to bring in a puppy into that mess.  No we had our hands full with the two packs we had.  Getting through losing Brut was just the tip of the iceberg.

The Dane puppies were available about the time Brut's three month anniversary rolled around...puppy fever struck again.  I went through the usual excitement  and hot flashes of insanity, while trying to convince myself and hubby that this was the right move for us.  I mean, a Great Dane couldn't be more different from a Husky and I've always been attracted to large dogs and I always wanted one since I was a kid.  How much more perfect could this be?  Then the truth struck like a blow to the stomach and head, I couldn't do this to my Brut.  The dog that gave me my soul back.  The dog that saved my life and could read me like a book.  I wasn't ready.  I just wanted my Brut back.

I finally read up on Great Danes and discovered we were not a good match.  End of story.

My husband, Mark has a Christmas gift still to give me.  I immediately thought it might be a puppy.  And I got excited again.  Then I felt that blow in the pit of my stomach and felt guilty that I couldn't just get on with my life and get another dog.  Mark has got messages on FB about people asking if we have gotten another dog yet.  And I felt guilty that I was even thinking about getting a puppy.  It triggered off a wave of nostalgia for Brut.

Grief and timing are going to be everything when we come to that point in our lives to get another dog.  We both believe we will be lead by Brut to the right dog for us.  For now that will be a while.  Not to mention we have 'Mission Impossible' with the dogs we have now and meshing the two packs together. One thing made easier since Brut is gone, but will still be a huge challenge in itself.

So I'm sure I'll have bouts of puppy fever again and again, but for now that's all it will be.

What about you?  Do you have or did you get puppy fever when you lost your dog?

Happy Birthday Boy

On January 2, 2016 our pups, Zappa, Fiona, Chance and Blaze, along with the other six of our 10 puppy litter all turned 8 years old.  My how time flies!

We have been celebrating all week and hope to show you some the highlights in the coming days.

Today we have Zappa, Mr. Serious and Cautious, who doesn't give into puppy's play, breaking loose and letting it all hang out with his new birthday toy.  A cheap squeaker that will be torn up in seconds flat, but for now is the love of his life!

Zappa and Fiona were so deprived of squeaky toys with their possessive dad, Brut around that this first squeaker since his death is sheer abandonment.  Come and enjoy.  ☺

 Watch on YouTube

Power of Ten 7th Birthday

 We called our puppy litter the "Power of Ten."  A litter created by Silver and Brut that had been planned for several years before taking action.  And now 7 years later it is their birthday and I still can't believe the gifts they have given me of memories, teachings, life lessons and all about unconditional love.

A Little Background:
Ten puppies were born on January 2, 2008 in the wee hours of the morning and lasted until 9am that same morning.  We kept two, the first born, Zappa and the last born Fiona.  We found homes for all of the rest.  At 7 months old Blaze was returned after being kicked and shot at by pellet guns.  She was a wounded soul, but strong willed.  Four months later Chance was also returned to us with his ribs almost showing.  It worked out as Blaze and Chance owners were related and were the best of friends.  Which was good because Brut, Silver, Zappa and Fiona (Back Pack) wouldn't accept Blaze and Chance (Front Pack) into their pack and it was how the two packs were created.

Some people might think that we didn't deserve to breed, but having Zappa and Fiona showed me what life was like being loved from the beginning of their life.  Something I hold close to my heart, teaching me I could love.

Some people might also think about the consequences we bred when Chance and Blaze both came from abused homes.  Never a question to take them back they have taught me about undying gratitude and a resilence that is unmatch.  Not to mention what love can do.

Some people might say that breeding Silver and Brut was all wrong when you find out that two of

 "Power of Ten" pups are dead.  Angel was hit by a car and Grumpy's owner put him down both at five years old.  I believe there is a reason for everything, even that which is sad and scary and horrible.  Angel and Grumpy taught me those lesson and I love them dearly for it.

Some people again might say that this litter didn't deserve to be here, after all were are not professional breeders, when I tell you we haven't seen two of the pups, Red and Rocket, since they were 6 months to a year old.  The owners signed a contract for us to see the puppies grow and they defaulted on their end.  Over and over we tried to no avail.  I don't even know if they have the pups anymore, but we haven't given up hope.  Red and Rocket have taught me that.

The two last remaininig pups are still with their original owners and doing well.  Jack and V-girl are the last two dogs we have remained in contact with.  V-girl recently moved out of state, but Jack is still here not knowing how much it really means to us to be able to see and touch him and know he is OK.  V-girl and Jack taught me there are people who just love their puppies and they are part of their owners life.  Maybe all owners are jerks after all.  They teach me to keep the faith.

And some people might not be judging me or my puppies, or our circumstances.  Or maybe they are.  I don't know.  Maybe it is me who is ridding my own judgements on myself.  Or maybe it is just a way to realize the impact any animal can make on your life when you realize the gift of unconditional love is real and exist.  That no matter the distance or years or death, you can never be seperated from such true, pure love.

That is the "Power of Ten"

Happy 7th Birthday kids.  We love you!  

  pee.s.  Luigi's memorial was postpone for the birthday pups.

B/W Sunday-Two Peas in a Pod

Zappa and Blaze at 8 Days Old

WW-24 Paws Puppy Photos (8 weeks old)

Have you ever seen a puppy born?

Have you ever seen a puppy born?  How about ten of them in a seven hour span?

I have.

And every moment was a miracle.

I thought I understood dogs, until I got Brut

And when I thought I understood Brut, we had puppies.

And when I thought I understood the puppies,

they grew and changed

transforming before my eyes.  

They taught me what I could have never learned in a book.

And sadly I think too many dog lovers miss out on witnessing this blessing.

  

The interaction, the connection and discovery.

It is so much more than just the cuteness factor,

It is witnessing the entirety of what makes a dog a dog

 

 Pure unconditional love from the beginning.

Following Your Heart

 Silver and her pups.

Jan. 2, 2008

It might surprise you that I wasn't 100% on board with my husband, Mark and having puppies.  I'd been part of the dog world for some time and Mark met me with pure innocence when it came to dogs and other pets.  It was natural in his world for dogs to reproduce, which truly by all of nature's laws, it is.  He couldn't imagine anyone not loving or wanting a dog as he pined most of his life to have a furry friend.  And it never crossed his mind that anyone could be cruel or unloving to a puppy and that every puppy would find a loving home. 

But I'd grown up in a different world.  Spaying and neutering were the natural way for me.  Irresponsible breeders created a constant flow of unwanted pets that were being put to their deaths in shelters all around the country.  Unspeakable acts of cruelty and violence against dogs and cats were going unpunished.  I learned early that the world was harsh when it came to animals and those thoughts hadn't seem to change any when Mark wanted to breed Silver.

It was almost a 50/50 split for me when it came to breeding Silver.  My feelings were still strongly tied to the knowledge I had learned over the years.  While embracing this young innocence of Mark and the hope that could aspire from it.  When it came time to breed Brut and Silver I had an inner peace that we were doing the right thing.  Once Silver was pregnant, I didn't have time to think about all those laws and statutes I was breaking.  There were tiny lives depending on me and what guilt I did have seem to slowly fade away.

 

Then those ten miracles of life were born.  And it didn't take long for the fear of a new dog mom to feeling the normal fear and anxieties that come with new life.  It wasn't much longer than that the fears of all I knew made me part of my own reality.  Suddenly I was the "breeder" with ten puppies, whom I did not trust to anyone, but knowing that I couldn't keep them all.  They could end up in shelters or dead.  Suddenly I was the cause to the dog overpopulation.  And the reason some may not get spayed or neuter.  They were harsh terms that I took literally.  There was the fear of not finding homes for them all of them and the fear of having to keep the ones that were left.  Suddenly, I was exactly what I read and heard about all my life.

I will never get over the miracle of Chance and Blaze coming back.  Being returned to us as a total surrender.  That the owners thought that much or at least gave us a thought to bring them home, must say something.  Because it was the miracle of these two dogs that I sit here today and write this.  Were we just lucky?  I don't think so.  For it was just this morning that Chance and Blaze literally woke me up out a bad dream that was about to get worse.  Another example of them being part of our lives.  And that there is purpose and reason as to why we are divided into two packs.  I've heard them sing together several times throughout the day in accordance to what I am doing.  I saw Fiona playbow to Chance from across the fence line when Chance and Blaze were playing.  That was exciting!

No one can tell me that those puppies weren't meant to be.  Even when Angel and Grumpy died.  No one can say I did the "wrong" thing or that I did it for my own selfish pleasures or gain.  I've always done everything in my life for the dogs.  And if there is anything I learned out of that harsh reality of thoughts I grew to live by, trusting my dogs has always saved my life.  Every. Time.

Haven't you ever felt that deep inner desire to do what your heart and gut says is right, despite what others think or the world's standards?

 Just who says I can't be here??

      

   

What does Brut think about his kids?

I wonder what Brut thinks of his kids?  I wonder what thoughts run through his mind when he sees and interacts with them.

Does he see any of his qualities or traits?

Does he see the possibilities in each of them?

And what he needs them to be as part of pack?

He shows both affection and discipline that he is not afraid to use.  Sometimes it is harsh and other times it is with just a look of his eyes.

I have watched both Brut and Silver shape and mold Fiona and Zappa as they have evolved and grown over the years, yet I can't tell you one thought that crosses their mind between their blood relationships.

I can examine their body language and actions but this only tells me of their behaviors.  What does Brut think of his personal relationships with his son and daughter?  I don't think it's any less than what any parent thinks of their child, I just think it is different.  It can't be based on a human scale.  It is something that that only a dog would know and understand.

But wouldn't it be so cool to understand it?  And to really cross that barrier and grasp that line of thinking?

Like what Silver was thinking as she watched her eight puppies leave out of her care and never come back   again.  There had to be some powerful communication to each of them, that we'll never know.

Or what she thinks about Chance and Blaze coming back?  Does she still know they are her children and what does she think about them and her relationship to them?

I do believe they all know they are related, but it is at a higher level of communication.  I also believe there is a great understanding in the separation and they all know that things have changed.

Always just curious to get inside the mind of a dog.



        

Flashback Friday-Silver and Brut

It was 2007 and Silver is 3 years old and Brut is 4 months in these photos.

Nothing like a little nostalgia to start the weekend.  :)

Don't they make the snow look like so much fun?

Flashback Friday- Three week old puppies

I was taking a bit of jaunt down memory lane to get my puppy fix and wonder how many of you out there might need one yourself?  

Here are the Power of Ten at three weeks old with Mommy Silver.

Have a Happy Weekend!!

Thank YOU!

Such interesting and positive comments on the last post!  Thank you to all that responded.  I have always wanted to talk open and freely about the fact that Brut and Blaze are oh natural but was scared for the criticism I thought I would get if I did.  So I've been censoring myself from talking about some the things that happen around here, especially when Blaze goes into heat. 

I know many wouldn't understand why I've left them two intact and I've been afraid to explain.  Not that I need to explain, but that I would like to for the sake of sharing. 

Blaze is the only female out of the litter that is able to have puppies.  And there are many reasons I'd like to have a litter from her, but the one that stands out the most is that she has the best dog sledding/racing genes that I would like to harness and create my own sled team.  While I only dog sled for a hobby, I think with the right dogs, set up and training I would like to start competing.  Even if it is only locally.  Brut comes from sled lines and by far Blaze has everything I am looking for with those lines.  I'd like to find a good stud with a similar background and everything that makes a sled dog.  For those who may be wondering, no I will not breed her with Brut.  I don't believe in inbreeding.  Although I wouldn't mind saving some of his sperm for later on down the road, if we find the right female that will add to the team.

And while they are all thoughts, wishes and dreams, they are just that right now.  We are looking at a couple years down the road from now and if you've followed for a while you'll know we have many issues to contend with before something like that was to happen.  Not only for the dogs, but we would need a bigger house and land in which to practice and train.  Sledding is really what I love to do.  I don't know how much of it is in the future or what the chances are of getting from point A to B, but it would be a dream come true if it were to happened.

Thank you for being so open and honest with me.  I appreciate letting me stand on our decision with our dogs and not judging.  I know it is not the route many would take as far as spaying and neutering but I am grateful for giving us the freedom to be who we are, even when we don't agree.  And thank for those of you who believe I am being responsible because I was so afraid I was going to get shot down with how irresponsible I am being.  Believe me if there is anything you learn when you don't spay or neuter, there is added responsibility that I take very seriously.

Tres bien!    

Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone

My sweet Angel

Jan. 2, 2008-Oct. 2012

It has been almost four months since I last touched and said good bye to Angel and it is hard to believe that time has kept moving on, despite how it might feel.  Whenever a dog dies that is close to me, a song will start playing through my head over and over and it becomes their song.  Angel's song is Bill Withers, Ain't No Sunshine.  Tonight after having to deal with some things I put on the back burner because of her death and finally catching up with them, her song started playing through my head.  And I just sat here, still numb that she is gone, forever.  And even though she's closer to my heart than ever before I'll never forget holding her the day when Silver plopped her in my hands when she gave birth to Angel.  And now I can only touch her spirit deep in my heart.  Forever is lost holding her in my hands again.  And my hands ache for her thick black fur.  And my eyes are sore for those dancing, mischievous eyes of hers that lit up anytime we were near.  A life taken much too soon.  A  life that will be forever missed.

Just once more I wish I could hold Angel again and share my love with her.

Do you have a song for pets that have passed on?

Happy 5th Birthday with live birth video!!

Happy Birthday to the Power of Ten!  The name we gave Silver and Brut's litter.  They are turning FIVE years old today and we have a special treat for all of our readers, a video of two of the births of those 10 puppies.  

It starts with the first three newborns who landed in our hands as new mom Silver gave birth standing up.  We had to open them out of their sacs, dry them off until they cried and cut and tie the chord.

The first birth on the video is when Silver finally laid down to have Chance, the fourth puppy.  Chance broke through his sac and placenta on the way out of the canal.  So Silver only needed to dry him off then let him feed.

The second birth is a little more gory as this little guy we called T-bone was born still in sac with the placenta in tact.  This was one birth that Silver did the the whole job herself, with a little help from me opening up the sac around the head and shifting things so it would be easier for her.  Time is everything in those first few moments of life.  Enjoy here or on YouTube   

We knew our lives were going to change with these 10 little miracles,

but we never knew how much.

(in their birth order)

Zappa

Red

Angel

                Jan.2, 2008-Oct. 9, 2012

Chance

T-bone

Grumpy

      Jan. 2, 2008-2012

Rocket

V-girl

Blaze

and Fiona

Happy 5th Birthday to our little ones who are all grown up now. 

We love you.

Grandma and Grandpa

Just for You Angel

 This dedication to Angel comes to you through Daddy's eyes.  Angel was one of our homed pups from our litter who died almost a week ago today.  We would like to give special thanks http://www.dogtrainingcollars.com for making this post possible.

It seems like it was only yesterday when Silver and Brut made us grandparents on Jan. 2, 2008.  Starting at 2:50 in the morning when the first of ten live births begun with Zappa until Fiona was finally born at 9:15 that same morning.  In my whole life I have never witnessed such an awesome sight.  Zappa was the first Husky, Red was the first white one and Angles was the first black and white one.

Never in my life have I witnessed such a miracle, one after another, ten puppies being born with about a half hour in between each one;  while Silver did what she had to do before the next one was to come.  I am still amazed to this day the event that happened the morning of Jan. 2, 2008.  I just feel so blessed from God that I was able to see the whole thing from beginning until the end.  I still can’t describe in words how it made me feel, but I do know that it changed me.  I knew I was never going to be the same person I was before.  The roots, the humble beginning, where the 24 Paws of Love first came to be.

I did witness the birth of my son and at the time that was the most awesome thing I ever witnessed, but that was nothing compared to witnessing the birth of ten puppies alive and well.  From that day on I came up with the term “The Power of Ten.”  Each puppy was just as important as the other.  I wanted to keep each one and as each day went by that feeling became stronger and stronger, but I knew that because of money it wasn't going to be possible.  It really tore me up inside.  Money the root of all evil.  I have always hated that issue.

When you look at the world around that we live in, with so much bad and pain and suffering, it seems people just don’t know how to live.  But when you live 24/7 right from the beginning watching a litter of puppies from day one as each one grows in such a short period of time with the interactions between them and the innocents of play, eating, going outside to explore and the team work they all have together, you realize that is the way it suppose to be.

That’s why Angel stood out from the rest of her brothers and sisters.  She was a little different from the rest.  She was always doing things faster than everyone.  She escaped from the whelping bed first and got up on our bed and she could get back in the whelping bad just as fast as she got out.  She was a very loving puppy and a good example of what living a good life is all about.  We were so grateful that we found a good home for her.  A girl who was good with dogs, had dogs all her life and there was no doubt that Angel was very much loved by her.

We never had a problem when we wanted to go see Angel and every time we got to her reactions was the same.  She would just go crazy knocking me down with kisses.  She seemed to be saying, “Thank you so very much for loving me and taking good care of me when I was younger.”  I have never had anyone so excited to see me and she reacted like that every time I saw her.  You would think that after a two or three years the reaction would change, even just a little bit, but it never did.  Even up until the last time we saw her alive, her reaction was just as crazy as the first time.

As I’m looking at her picture right now I’m still having a hard time believing Angel is gone.  Matter of fact if it wasn't for us being there and seeing her lie in the back of the pick up, so still, like she was sleeping, I still wouldn't believe it.  I am not a very visual person, but I can see her running up the embankment to cross the road to go home and being hit by the truck that didn't see her in the fog.  I still can’t get this out of my mind and I am so grateful that after laying there for the days she did, in a wooded area no other animal did anything to her body.  It was bad enough just seeing her the way she was.  There was no visible signs of damage except her back end and legs were twisted.  Looking at her like that will haunt me for a long, long time.  I will be mourning for some time.

As I petted her and kissed her one last time then helped put her in her final resting place, I really didn't know what I was feeling.  Angel’s parents put her dog sled racing harness on her body and put Angel's own pillow under her head after laying her in the ground.  As they were putting the dirt over her I just wanted to shout, “Stop!  I want to take her home.”  But I didn't   Nothing would change what had happened to our little Angel.

As we were riding home I realized that she was gone from the physical world, but that she will always be with us in the spiritual world.

When we got home the 24 Paws of Love knew something was wrong, other than the fact it was walk night, each one smelled our hands and could sense the loss.

And I think one of the hardest things is that we had the whelping bed in the corner of our bedroom where now is Zappa’s and Fiona’s built in crates is the corner where it all began.

Angel may be gone, but she is still very much alive in spirit, along with Brut, Silver, Zappa, Fiona, Chance and Blaze at the home of the 24 Paws of Love.

to be continued...

Thank you for all of your support and comments about our loss.  Just to let you all know, dog (and cat) people are the best people in the whole world and I consider you all my best friends.  May God Bless You All.

My little wing girl

My husband had just run for a bottle.  Silver was giving birth standing up and my husband had caught the first two and had so far done most of the work.  Silver began contracting and pushing again, I yelled for hubby, but it was too late she dropped a goo covered black furball in my hands.  Now I was going solo.  I pulled off the sac, tied and cut the chord and rub this little black jewel until she made her first cry.  I continued to dry her off while Silver finally settle down in the whelping box.

Our first black puppy and our first girl.  There was no doubt I was keeping her after she was born in my hands.  After the white wingspan on her chest we gave her the name Angel.


My absolute favorite baby picture of Angel

After witnessing Fiona, the only white female and the runt of the litter, I was torn as I watched Fiona fight with profound determination to keep up with her brothers and sisters.  I don't know what it was about this little girl, but she had my attention.  Zappa was a given, now Fiona, do I keep Angel as well?

(l to r) V-girl, Zappa, Fiona and Angel

Angel was a natural Husky escape artist and was the first and only one to get out of the whelping bed as well as back in.  She always used the papers I had on the floor and there was more than one time she climbed up on the bed and I woke up to her furry face in front of me.  She was smart and witty and cute as a button.  And I wanted her so bad, but I didn't think 3 puppies would be a good idea.  

We were down to two puppies that needed homes, both black and white dogs, when my friend called looking for a puppy, I knew exactly which one...Angel.  

I think I'd known for some time Angel wasn't meant to be with us, it was just so hard to let go.  

She lived a wonderful life, hunting, going to her family's cabin, learning to dog sled and she had a home full of love.  

Tuesday night, the night she was found, I held her in my hands and remembered that first day she touched them.  

And as she was buried, I was so grateful she was home surrounded by the love of two families who loved her.

Thank you so much for this blogging community and all of your help, support and condolences.  We thank you all so kindly from the bottom of our hearts as we grieve the loss of our Angel.  May an Angel be smiling down on all of you today. 

Monday Memories-Food Fight?

Monday Memories-our little trip down memory lane.

Can your dogs eat out of the same bowl?

And to think Chance and Blaze's previous owners used to throw them a scrap of food and watch them fight over it.

Now look at them!!