Well, yesterday was 'B day' and time to collect our new furry friend. Mrs. M. (the breeder) had just bathed the puppies, so they looked unbelievably fluffy. We could see how much of a wrench it was for her to let them go, but we promised to keep in touch. On the journey home, Barney kept whimpering, which was heartbreaking. However, once back and in the garden, his little tail started wagging and we haven't looked back. He took to his puppy crate instantly - we left the door open and he trots in when he wants a rest. He is an immensely hungry boy (true to breed!!) and lets you know it, almost doing somersaults as you prepare his food!!!! He has been incredibly good about going outside for the 'necessary'.
His 'first night' proved to be a lot better than we had feared. After a couple of minutes protest at having the cage door shut for the first time, he settled down and slept until just after 4.00am. He was snuffling around in the cage, so I quickly went outside with him. We were both back in our respective beds - mission accomplished - in under 2 minutes!!!!! He settled immediately and slept until 7.00 (a respectable hour I felt) time for another quick dash outside, then back ready for breakfast. The rest of the day has been spent playing in the garden (he is very fond of chasing leaves - kind of handy at this time of year!), naps and eating (he is still on 4 meals a day - wow!!). The one thing I have learnt from today - how much I had forgotten what it is like to have a puppy - it's more fun and harder work!!!!
It's Tuesday, 14th November, and we have just been for another visit to see Barney. He has grown so much and is now playing and running around with his brothers and sisters. The breeder of the puppies has now allocated the names that they will be registered with at the Kennel Club. Barney is 'Brodene (family title) Baby Bear'. How cute and appropriate is that!!!! It has been pouring with rain today, but the puppies were not daunted by this and tumbled (literally) outside, as we opened the conservatory door.Having towelled him down, time for a cuddle. Oh my, is he a cuddley one - he just gazed into our faces and snuggled up. Jonathans' shoe laces proved a great hit with the puppies, once Barney had shown them the way (note: very difficult to move when puppies have found the new game of shoelace undoing!). The puppy crate arrived yesterday. It is blue mesh (fashionably matches the kitchen floor!), with soft bedding in the base. We hope he will find it cosy and comfortable. The decision as to where Barney is sleeping to start off with has been made, and yes, it's with us!!! Having now read 5 (yes, I do have too much time) books on the subject of raising a puppy, the general concensus seems to be that this is the way to go. All the puppies are now reserved. I have to say I am not surprised, though I did think that it might be fun to have another boy as well as Barney. We could call it Fred (Fred and Barney - Flintstones!!!!) ha ha. After a wonderful time playing with him, it was even harder to bid our little chap farewell - we really are counting down the time until he comes home!!
Well, yesterday was 'B day' and time to collect our new furry friend. Mrs. M. (the breeder) had just bathed the puppies, so they looked unbelievably fluffy. We could see how much of a wrench it was for her to let them go, but we promised to keep in touch. On the journey home, Barney kept whimpering, which was heartbreaking. However, once back and in the garden, his little tail started wagging and we haven't looked back. He took to his puppy crate instantly - we left the door open and he trots in when he wants a rest. He is an immensely hungry boy (true to breed!!) and lets you know it, almost doing somersaults as you prepare his food!!!! He has been incredibly good about going outside for the 'necessary'. 
Having towelled him down, time for a cuddle. Oh my, is he a cuddley one - he just gazed into our faces and snuggled up. 
Jonathans' shoe laces proved a great hit with the puppies, once Barney had shown them the way (note: very difficult to move when puppies have found the new game of shoelace undoing!). The puppy crate arrived yesterday. It is blue mesh (fashionably matches the kitchen floor!), with soft bedding in the base. We hope he will find it cosy and comfortable. The decision as to where Barney is sleeping to start off with has been made, and yes, it's with us!!! Having now read 5 (yes, I do have too much time) books on the subject of raising a puppy, the general concensus seems to be that this is the way to go. All the puppies are now reserved. I have to say I am not surprised, though I did think that it might be fun to have another boy as well as Barney.
We could call it Fred (Fred and Barney - Flintstones!!!!) ha ha. After a wonderful time playing with him, it was even harder to bid our little chap farewell - we really are counting down the time until he comes home!!
