To think like a dog

To say I love her seems an understatement.

I can't quite explain it. It seems too obvious to blame it on being there when she gave birth to her pups. To go through that when our relationship was so fresh it had dew on it probably did have an indelible effect, yet our bond almost feels old, weathered, deeper than a mere 6 weeks--with any sort of experience--would warrant.

I know I need to let her go. It is becoming abundantly clear. There is a family who thinks of her, who want her with them, who long to love her for the rest of her life. I have these same desires and thoughts, but that's not what I signed on for and I know it, regardless of the pain that sometimes brings.

Just to be clear, I don't love her because she's perfect either. No dog is perfect, just like no human is perfect. She doesn't listen as well as Paisley, or as well as Bran for that matter. She has the most hilarious habit of chewing on pillows and blankets, sometimes when she seems nervous, other times when she is being silly and playful. She barks at phantom noises. She thinks she owns this place...and me (darn, I didn't realize I was that transparent).

So yes, I'll let go. I must let go. Not today though, thankfully. She's still mine for a while. Then, just like all the other dogs who have graced our family and then moved on, she'll reside forever in my heart and memory, bringing mysterious smiles to my face whenever she crosses into my direct consciousness. Holding so tight only to let go hardly seems worth it sometimes, were it not for those moments.

For now, I'll snuggle tight with Sula and I'll do my best to think like a dog: to be in the moment, to not fret over tomorrow or the next week or the goodbye yet to come. I can focus on the love before me and be thankful for all that it is, right now.

You have another solution? ;)

So many memories conjured up by these photos.

I soothed a tantrum with spoon-licking. I'm not proud. I never said I was awesome at this parenting stuff, okay?! ;) I do things I shouldn't...like stop a tantrum with sweets. I wish I didn't, but I did.

And to make matters worse, I decided to photograph it. I'll never forget that {almost} tantrum. =)

Nighty night!

A boy and his skuut

The pep talk...

Check the love! Awww, Papa and Paisley both there to cheer the boy on. =)

Wheeeeeee....

He loves his skuut. Who needs training wheels? Who needs pedals?!

Hope your week is full of fun adventures. =)

Just because

Love me some...

Love me some happy dogs...

Love me some tired dogs too...

{Guess that's what mothering 8 sprightly, needle-toothed pups does to a dog!}

Love me some giddy, life-loving adult dogs.

For the record, if we ever decide to quit this crazy game of fostering dogs and finding them loving homes, I'm 97.865% sure it'll be because we adopted an adult dog. I flippin' LOVE adult dogs. =)

However, I also love me some puppy breath. ;) {Me getting lovin from Una, my kissee, and Fergie.}

Puppy breath: the most disgusting thing you'll ever love. HA! Well, for some people anyway.

Tre, looking cute and curious. You can't see it in this photo very well, but Tre has the most amazing blue eyes. I will be anxious to see if it stays that way or if they change.

J getting some lovin from Marie (left, and Paisley's mini-me by the way, crazy!) and Mugsy (right), the lone boy of the whole bunch. Good luck Mugs!

Fergie (left) and Dottie (right), aka "The Pokey Little Puppy" because she is often lagging a ways behind, watching the crowd, observing and making sure the time is right for her to pounce. Or to lay down and just nap away from the hubbub. She is known to do both. ;)

Charlotte, showing her ornery side, going after sissy Tre.

It seems every week, someone new takes the role of "biggest stinker of the bunch." =) Last week was Charlotte's turn at the title and I think this picture captures her reign quite well.

Bobbie, getting ready to pounce. Big time!

This photo is apt, because though it was taken last week, when Char reigned supreme at the top stinker, Bobbie has usurped her crown for the time being. Can't wait to see who's next! ;)

The whole bunch thinking of chasing down Momma Sula.

This is a popular game these days, as Sula is craving a tad more independence, the pups are eager to keep their Momma to themselves, nurse her dry, and then bite the hand that feeds them in attempts at play. Poor Sula! I keep assuring her this is the last time she'll ever have to do this. It seems my words are little comfort though. Oh well. Soon enough she'll be free.

Okay, now lest you say "Hey, Amanda...or Dougina...or whoever you are...didn't you have a child. Yeah, yeah, didn't you give birth a while back and he was quite cute and oh so fun? And you called him Bugga and...come on, wasn't that you?!"

Well, now that you mention it...you're right! That was me! Don't fret, he's still here. ;) And still loved and still quite cute and fun.

And he's loving every minute of this current adventure. =)

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*Thanks Trish for asking about the pups! I don't have a whole lot of readers, or at least not a whole lot of commenters, so you can bet I notice when someone actually comments and asks a question. Also an FYI regarding comments, I'm turning the word verification off, as it seems to deter some folks.

Teeming with life...

Summer is in full swing, even if the recent chilly temperatures haven't exactly supported that fact. ;) We are just teeming with life around here, most recent additions include the barn swallow chicks.

Turtle knows something is out there, he just can't see what. ;)

This is down on the covered patio of our walkout basement, also known as "the potty spot." Yeah...um...not what I would consider the ideal place for my babies, but then again, I'm not a barn swallow.

The Momma and Papa bird are not the least deterred by all the activity in and out of the basement door, the dogs, the crazy puppies, the super-crazy toddler. They just go about their business, doing what needs to be done.

Sometimes I think I could learn a thing or two from them in fact. =)

Hang in there...

Hang in there Paisley girl,

He'll grow up before you know it.

Certainly too fast for me, though I often need to remind myself of this.