Do not get me wrong! Having a litter of puppies is not for those who are easily stressed out or the faint of heart. Yet often, just like with birthing a baby, many people tend to only remember the negatives. I like to remember the positives!
Let me tell you the joys of having a litter of puppies, especially when you love the dogs involved and its not a business but a hobby, are endless.
Foremost, to watch my kids witness and marvel at the adventure of puppies being born, growing up, snuggled, and cared for is worth every ounce of effort. My kids get to learn how to care and love small creatures who are vastly valuable because the puppies are part of our family, too.
Another great pleasure are the snuggles. How else can you be snuggled by 7-10 amazing little creatures all at once? The snuggles are sweet, wonderful, and numerous. I had the joy of holding seven puppies in my lap all at once as they slept, yawned, and snuggled with me.
Every few days there are newfound wonders and excitements as the puppies begin to move around a little bit, open their eyes, walk, bark, rough house with each other, and get into everything they can find. Did I mention the first puppy kiss? The sweetness of a four week puppy licking you because they love you is priceless!
Did I mention watching the joy and pride of the mother dog? Finding personal satisfaction in her happiness at bringing a litter of adorable dogs into the world? Her pride at caring for them so well? I can only imagine its the same pride a grandmother feels in her newly mothering daughter.
There is only one join even greater than all of the above, which supremely makes a litter worth all the work, and that is seeing the joy upon the faces of a new puppy's family. To see their eyes twinkle with delight and love as they adopt a new family member. There is deep satisfaction to bring love, snuggles, and joy to a new human family and getting to see the pictures for a lifetime to come.
Yes, I must say, having litters of puppies is one of the greatest hobbies in the world.
