We took the puppies to the vets on Wednesday – their first experience of being in a car was in our 39 year old VW Camper Van.  They arrived in style (or is that nostalgia?!). They behaved beautifully at the vets whilst they were chipped, vaccinated and weighed.

The part I hate most in rearing my beautiful puppies is the day they go to their new homes.  I know I cannot possibly keep them as that would be madness.  I know all the new owners meet the standard I require – so why do I find it so hard?  Namely because I break the rule that every good breeder makes (and breaks).  It would make life so much easier if I hadnt of bonded with them.  If I hadnt of put every ounce of my emotion into them then I could hand them over easily.  However it is not how I do things.  These puppies in my heart are mine.  Emotionally I have to try and detach myself from them but I find this an impossibility. How could I NOT fall in love with these adoreable crazy puppies?

I wish all of my pups a very happy life and I sincerely hope that their owners humour my emotional needs with updates of their progress.

A huge thanks to Rachel – who has already sent me a photo of the wonderful boy Sam – our first born.  (I will attach his photo shortly!)  it helps me enormously knowing how they are doing.

We are keeping one pup for an extra week, then we will be left with Melvin – so we can concentrate on his upbringing, training.  I will be continuing a diary of Melvin’s progress nad no doubt his naughtiness!

Just a small update – things are drawing to a close now…. so today I have started the next phase of their socialisation, by taking them all individually out for a stroll around the block.  Obviously I was carrying the puppies whilst I broadened their world.    They enjoyed taking in the sights of the woods.  The pups also experienced hearing cars as they drove past.  The pups are having their first vaccination tomorrow.  Then Thursday brings our first day of a puppy leaving the nest.

The pups have been a huge part of the family they are currently sitting in a big ball of puppys on our sitting room floor (all apart from Melvin who is on the sofa!).  It will be so quiet in this house when they have gone.  (who am I trying to kid?  this house has never been quiet!!!)  We will be able to concentrate on our newest addition and enjoy his puppyhood.

The toilet training is going so well.  I am chuffed to bits, we have had approx 5 poos in the house since they were 3 weeks old.  We have had several wee’s BUT progress is definitely being made as we have had 6 DRY nights in their little box (or pot as I call it).  and not only that but several puppies are asking to go out by standing at the door!!! YAY – Well done puppies.

I think these puppies have been several paces ahead of me all throughout their time here at Marchstone but I have loved every minute of it, even through bleary eyes through lack of sleep.  The pups have bought an awful lot of pleasure.  I sincerely hope they bring their new owners much joy, little laughs at the things they do (like pouncing on a toy with sheer excitement…. curiosity killed the cat but what did it do to the pup?!!)  Molly has been able to enjoy her babies which to me has been the icing on the cake.  Molly found it so hard to be with her pups after she had finished feeding them, but to see her now really is an emotional experience.  Our beloved Molly has been fabulous.  I am so very proud of her as a dog, as a mum, most importantly as our special girl a pet.  A fantastic dog to enjoy on a walk, have cuddles with at home and the most perfect dog as a mum to her puppies.

Molly has been able to spend some really good quality time with her puppies.  This is in stark contrast to her first litter.  Molly never really got to grips with being able to be in the room with her first litter after they had given up milk as they were such hoolies.  This time she has sussed it out, to be in charge.  She gently plays skittles with them.  With a nudge she pushes them over.  They have now learnt not to persist in attempting to get milk.  It is truly lovely to see how tender Molly is with them.

A very proud mum indeed!

thats my boy!

Keira chilling out with her mum

Molly with some of her babes

For the past few days Molly has finally been able to stay in the same area as her puppies for longer than a few minutes.  The little monkeys since, unwillingly, giving up milk (Molly’s decision not ours) have tried their hardest to get the milkbar back on tap.  Up until the past few days Molly has been in regularly to check on her babies but has had to scarper quick as 8 pups have tried to get their “scram” as quick as they can.  At every opportunity she goes in to see them, to nuzzle them but has had to leap over the barriers to escape the 8 sets of gnashers!  Molly has not liked 8 puppies hanging off her but has been desperate to be with them.  So to resolve the situation she has decided she will take charge of them.

Molly has them in order now, I hope to get a few more photos of Molly with her “grown” family but this is what I have for now!

playtime with Mum! can she handle them?? - yes she can!

Puppies all learning how to romp with Mum

this is how you play...nicely....

Mothers love - time for plenty of kisses

getting orderly now.... Mum knows best!

What a clever girl Molly is!

its easier when they are asleep!

sshhhh the puppies are sleeping...Molly needs a rest!

cute girl "Bunty"

Watching Molly with her puppies is magic.  She is so tender with them.  So gentle.  She picks up toys and gives them to the puppies to play with.  Also gently tossing a ball in their direction to encourage play.  It brings a tear to me eyes to see how wonderfully loving Molly is with her little ones.

With our Royal Connections with the Sandringham Labradors we thought it was fitting to have a wedding of our own!

Sam(uel) the Groom with Peaches one of the Bridesmaids!

The Bridal party Keira Middleton the Bride, with the Groom, best man, her pageboys & bridesmaids!

Hip Hip Hooray!!!

Wishing Will and Kate all the best for a very happy future together,

From all at Marchstone.

Melvin 7 Weeks old

Melvin with his Mummy

Melvin is a smashing little pup and to be honest I am rather fond of all of my puppy’s for different reasons.  The pups are all balanced, full of mischief and are all very intelligent.  Earlier when having a conversation with Dave, it was decided that ALL of the puppy’s are my favourite as I really couldnt single one pup out.  They are all very special.  I shall look forward to hearing updates from their new owners.  Photos of the pups in their new homes are of course in the contract of sale!

The puppies are full of joy.  Skipping about the garden, the puppies are living life in the moment.  Choosing to play with the rabbit then do a little bit of gardening, before leaping on one of their siblings. 

Playing follow the leader with Katherine.

Joy in the garden!

Playing with the Rabbit

The puppies are curious about the water feature!

no dinner left...boo

Barney (red boy) sleeping in a plant pot!

The puppies give us so much pleasure, we enjoy seeing them race around the garden.  Everything to them is to be inspected and enjoyed.  They are full of bounce and are very happy little bundles.

The puppies have one week left with us before they continue their lives, in their new FOREVER homes.

Over the past few days our Rabbit Comet has decided the puppies are safe to play with. So he is being quite bold with them running up to them and then running off, then he chases after them!!  He can easily get away if he chooses to but has had a lovely scamper around the garden with them not far behind him.  He is going up to them and tagging them which is just very sweet!

Puppies playing with the rabbit

Nearly gotcha!

Pesky pups - HAH!!! foiled you, you cant catch me!!!

The rabbit is fine – I can assure you he isnt being “got at” by the pups, it is definitely a game as the rabbit is choosing to go in and tag them, play chase then gets out of their way (Secretly laughing at them…”call yourself gun dogs eh”?!!)

Here is a little clip of the pups going through an agility tunnel!