And so the process of letting go of the puppies has begun.
As of Tuesday night, I was going to post "And then there were five":
Tuesday evening, a lovely young couple from the village took home this little guy:
Yes, that's my lap he's on there.
No word on a name yet, but I know he'll be happy because they are both big dog lovers--the girl actually called me to ask if she could come and get their puppy sooner than planned because she was exploding with excitement, having prepared his bed and toys already.
Then last night, I delivered one of my very favorite little ones to Rosa, an extremely caring woman who lives next door to P's house, the one we'll be moving into at some point--which means it's only a matter of time before I see Lila (pronounced LEE-la) every single day when I go out on the balcony:
Lila is extremely shy at first, but quite playful when she gets comfortable; I sent her off with a stuffed gingerbread toy because she loved carrying it around even though it was bigger than her.
I didn't want to give this puppy to a family with kids who would drive her crazy, so when Rosa stopped me and asked me if we still had puppies the other day (as a matter of fact, there was still one remaining who wasn't spoken for), I was over the moon happy to say yes--and I knew immediately which one she should have.
As I sat with Rosa last night as Lila got used to her, she told me how she raised her last dog from a puppy with a bottle--for two years. A little spoiling is never a bad thing, right?
It was funny, actually, because when I got home, P told me essentially all the same stories that Rosa had told me about her love of animals, how she adored her dog, etc. I hadn't realized before just how close to his neighbors P had been at one point. Very cute.
I'm so happy that these two have gone to wonderful homes, and I can't wait to run into them in the village.
So who will be next? This cutie perhaps?
No, letting them go isn't easy for me. Yes, tears have been shed.
And I'm afraid more are on the way with four puppies still left....
Labels: me me me, puppy love
41 Comments:
I'm glad to hear that you are finding good homes for the puppies. I never had puppies but had kittens a few times and it seems that you never find homes for all the kittens that you get! Good luck with the rest of the puppies.
I don't blame you sheding some tears. They are so cute and precious.
*Gil, kittens would *definitely* be harder to place than puppies around here too--many people seem to think cats are outside, stray creatures, period. They do feed them, though, so that's something I suppose.
*Nadine, thanks. I knew it'd be hard, but I just hope I didn't offend Rosa like I was crying for the home that Lila was going to!
I love how the one woman was so excited getting the puppy's toys and bed ready for him! Rosa sounds like she will take care of Lila very well. It makes me happy to know that the puppies are going to good homes. It's natural that you shed tears. Especially since it came down to you getting to know each puppy's character. *Virtual hugs for you.* Be proud... the puppies came into this world, in good hands! I hope that their new owners continue nurturing them the way you did. :)
*Giulia, thanks :) It's one of those things where logically you know what has to happen, and what will happen, but still...tears. Eh. Being human is a bitch sometimes ;)
It would be soooo heartbreaking. They are so adorable. I want one !
Glad they have gone to wonderful homes so far and great that you can catch up with Lila from time to time.
Tears are falling here too! They are all so precious. Lila's personality would have won me over instantly. I would have had a hard time letting go also but knowing they are going to good homes would certainly be a comfort to me, as I'm sure it is for you.
It's great that you may get to have contact with many of them, if not all. Yeah!
You have done an amazing job caring for them. I know how loved they are.
How's Stella coping?
xo
You got me with that photo of one puppy still to be given away. I know I've already said this, but if I was anywhere close, I'd come get him!
Oh! The worst part is having to give them away! I hate that! We are trying to get our chinchilla pregnant and I have a feeling I will keep all the babies (they usually only have 1 or 2 the first time). I love having kittens and puppies around. At least you are finding them great homes that are close by!
Sognatrice,
I can't even imagine..I know I would shed more than a few tears as well!! That little one is soooo cute at the end!!! I think you should be proud that you raised such good little ones...and that they will go to happy homes ;) I think you may be making some folks Holiday Wishes come true :)
Owoooo, that must be so hard. But you know you're doing the right thing.
Hang in there, kiddo.
They are sooooo cute. How wonderful they are going to loving homes and how lucky for you that you can see them in the villages. There still close by, try to find some comfort in that :)
you are breaking my heart with this post. what a bittersweet thing...to know they must go at the height of cuteness. it sounds like they are bound for more love though!
awwww..bittersweet. They were so lucky to have you as a mom :)
I am so glad they have found such good homes. I know you are sad now but at least you will be able to still see them from time to time. :)
*Vee, thanks for your support; they are cuties, aren't they?
*Cheeky, Stella seemed to be looking for the first one after he left, and then this morning, we walked by Lila's new house and heard her crying, so she was looking around, but overall, she's pretty good. We'll see how it is when they're all gone....
*Meredith, such a pathetic little face, isn't it?
*Jessica, best of luck!
*Robin, I keep thinking the same thing about the holidays--hopefully they'll be appreciated gifts :)
*Sara, thanks. Thank goodness I still have my girls to keep me on my toes ;)
*Cleo, I really hope I don't get to be annoying to the new caretakers ;)
*Qualcosa, height of cuteness is right! They're so fun now too :)
*Maryann, thank you :)
*NYC, it's going to be so fun to see them grow!
Oh, my heart is sad for you. I am glad that you will live close someday to Lila, so you can watch her grow and change. I am sure Rosa understood about the tears.
How I wish I was closer, because I would love to have the adorable puppy in the last pick. So cute.
*Jenn, she is a charmer, that last one. Thanks for your comment :)
Buon Natale, Cuccioli. Cosi dolce.
Grazie Michelle
Jeez, Michelle, I was getting teary eyed just looking at the pictures and reading your post. I would have been a mess if I was actually the one giving them away (albeit to very good homes). Big hugs to you! Thankfully, your village is small enough that you'll no doubt get to watch them grow up and still be able to visit. That last little puppy face just about did me in. How would he feel about being air mailed? ;-)
Christina
They are very cute, Sognatrice. If I lived in Italy, I would take one in. I'd take them all in, if I got to live in Italy.
Good luck on finding four more good homes.
AWWW...I can imagine how hard it must be to let them go, but I'm so glad you have found good, loving homes for all of them.
I'm glad that you are finding such good homes for the wee ones, but I know that I would cry, too! They are adorable. :)
Oh! I'm so sorry about the tears, but beginnings are usually not easy and this is a new start for each of the little ones.
They are SO cute, I wish I could have one, but 'tis not possible. I have enjoyed them all vicariously through you.
Thank you!
Big hugs!
Scarlett & Viaggiatore
AHHHHHHH heavens. I want to cry and I haven't even snuggled with them.
Have you put them on super growth hormones or something, or am I just late in the day?
They are very cute.
Best wishes
This is my calling card or link"Whittereronautism"until blogger comments get themselves sorted out.
So sad to see your little ones leaving home, so great to know they are going off to loving new ones.
It is great that you will still be able to see Lila almost every day.
You're such a good Mommy, It's hard to let go! They're sooo cute!
You're so good to give these cuties new homes. That last one...oh my...I was so close to book my flight. I this I heard him bark my name! :)
I am such a doggie person as well....letting go is terrible, even with the promise of "seeing them in the village!!"
Wow, I can't believe it. Nobody has brought up the subject of keeping down the stray dog population in Italy. Like, will any of these new puppy parents spay/neuter them? Will you get Stella spayed now that she's had her first litter?
I know you're a good doggie mommy but you're an American, after all. Italians are known for mistreating animals.
Ohhh, SO cute! There is nothing more adorable than puppies.
Do you think I could have him or her if I move to Italy immediatamente?
Oh my goodness, Lila was totally my favorite. Although the one marked "next" is pretty darned cute too.
Rats, why don't you live closer.
*Alexmom, grazie a te :)
*Christina, I'm sure she'd love it...your bank account probably wouldn't though ;)
*David, thanks; I think we're set on the homes, now to make the hand-offs....
*Karina, thanks; definitely hasn't been easy, but obviously I couldn't have 8 dogs. Right?
*Tui, thanks! More tear partners--yeah!
*Scarlett, thank you for the hugs; I'm passing them along to Luna, Stella, and the remaining pups :)
*Flutter, they're pretty cute, huh?
*Maddy, nothing special in their diet; they're 8 weeks old now :)
*Taffiny, thanks; I can't wait to see them grow!
*PIC, grazie mille :)
*Chris, that last one *is* a charmer. Definitely a face that screams "Take me home!"
*Rebecca, thanks for the support; I know it's strange to non-animal people, but they become such a big part of our lives, you know? I know you know :)
*Antonella, Stella will definitely be spayed when the time is right (I don't know if you've read that when we found her, she was already preggers), and three of the four feminine pup caretakers have talked to me about spaying; at least one of the two males will likely be neutered (he's going to P's brother), the other one probably not.
Actually we don't have stray dogs in my village as any time one wanders in (because a tourist has abandoned it) someone takes him (usually him) inside. Before Stella arrived, Luna was the *only* female around, so there isn't much of a chance for the stray population to increase here.
There are strays in the Marina, though, but since it's quite a trek even for dogs, the ones from up here rarely go down there (mine, of course, never b/c they're out on leashes or otherwise with me or P). The boys, though, yes.
Anyway, I wouldn't give these puppies to anyone who would mistreat them; these are all people who are animal lovers and who have demonstrated that even with how they respond to Luna and Stella. Believe it or not, there are some Italians who let the dog sleep in the house just like I do ;)
*Heart, she would love that! Keep us posted on your flight info ;)
*Christine, Lila was my favorite too, or at least one of my two favorites (the all white one being the other). I love them all, of course, but I think it was hardest with Lila, and now when Bianca Neve goes, that'll be the worst of it. Sniff sniff.
Sniff, sniff...tears. Oh, you are so lucky they went to good homes!
Heartbreak! But it sounds like you've found wonderful homes for them - that's got to be a huge relief.
You are not helping matters, my dear. I have puppy fever right now. I want a little dog. We just moved to St. Augustine where it seems like everyone is walking adorable little dogs around!!! I talked to Roberto last night about it and he is all for it...just not sure if our cat will be :(
I would love one of these darlings!
*Jeni, thanks; we still have four with us, but they'll all be gone soon....
*Amanda, HUGE relief, yes :)
*Jenn, um, it's best you not communicate with me for a while then. I'd encourage everyone to get a dog if I could--no better companion in the world (sorry guys) ;)
at least they're going to good homes ...those puppies are just adorable! Glad to hear she'll be spayed :-)
*Janet, good homes were definitely the prerequisite in giving them away :)
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