Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Pip and Pup, and I'm Still Up


Pippi and Ginger
Here's Tim's Merry Christmas Pup, Gingersnap - aka "Ginger"!  PIcked her up in Boston at Logan Airport this past week as a surprise on our trip back from Rhode Island.  She's a Yellow Lab from Arkansas...one of a litter that my nephew's dog, Peanut had.  When we went to Arkansas in September for my niece's wedding, I laid claim to one of the Christmas pups from Thistle's Labradors, and I kept it a secret from my husband right up until a few hours before we had to pick her up at the airport.

Ginger has met, but not yet been appreciated by our cat, Noah (which you can read more about on "I, Noah Cat" blog - to the right =>).
Pippi, our aging Golden Retriever, however, is accepting Foster Mom duties very well - letting Ginger cozy up and sleep, and correcting her with low growls and bared teeth when she gets a bit too rambunctious!  Many years back she was the puppy being mothered by our old Golden, Nutmeg, aka "Meg", so it's payback time!

I am tired.  I have not had a puppy for a LONG time.  I'd forgotten it's like having a baby that can already walk and run, puts everything in its pin-filled mouth, and poops and pees at will  without benefit of a diaper.

I haven't had a full night's sleep since she arrived as she whines to go out every few hours.  I've memorized the path from bedroom to leash to crate to front door without opening my eyes.  I've become accustomed to standing outside in pj's in freezing temps because I don't have time to grab my coat (I have not yet put it on my memorized route for some reason).  So far I've always had shoes on.  However, I have stepped in more doggie-droppings in the past 4 nights than I have in my whole life...it's hard to see in the dark with wet brown leaves on the ground...well, and trying to stay asleep through the process.

But all in all, it's worth it for the puppy kisses, and the warm, fuzzy, limp and happy puppy body curled up asleep in a lap.  Babies and puppies...God made them cute, so you'd keep them and love them in spite of all the bother!!

Merry Christmas to all!


11 comments:

  1. She is very cute, & I wish you many nights of long sleep--some day! Nice to keep the tradition of dog nurses! I hope you have wonderful days ahead, Donna, with all the family that arrives (I hope) soon. My son & family are driving in today! We'll all be together tomorrow! Happy New Year too! Looking forward to all your poetry...

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    1. Ah, sleep...
      Ah, poetry - hmmm. I must get back to that...let's see how a tired brain works! I'll try some again tomorrow. Cleaning today.
      You must be excited to have your son arriving today! I hope you have a wonderful time and I'll bet you will have some good stories to tell about their stay!
      My son will be here for Christmas Eve and Christmas dinner, then my daughter and her family will be here just a few days after Christmas, so we'll do it all again! My mother-in-law will be in the area, so will see her the days the kids are here. It's going to be busy for a while.

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  2. What a cutie. Puppies are a lot of work, but definitely worth it, I'm at the other end......getting up, and taking my senior out for middle of the night break with my eyes only half open. Enjoy these moments. Their lives are so short compared to ours.

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    Replies
    1. I know! Not looking forward to that with Pippi. The years go by so fast!

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  3. She is adorable, and Pippi looks pleased to have the company. have a wonderful Christmas, Donna!

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    Replies
    1. She does seem pleased most of the time! One time when I took the pup outside, when we came in Pippi had brought one of her stuffed toys over to give to the puppy. She hasn't been upset at all that Ginger is taking her stuffed animals out of the basket to drag around. It's pretty amazing to watch.

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  4. Gorgeous!!! Perfect for the new year. Keep us posted. What a great looker!!!!

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  5. Donna- she's so cute! And I love sweet Pippi taking care of her! What a good foster mama! If you need more lab puppies to look at- check out this live cam- it's a facility that raises puppies for PTSD veterans. They have 9 labs right now. http://explore.org/live-cams/player/service-puppy-cam

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  6. She's such a cute puppy! I hope you're able to get some rest soon. Happy Holidays!

    Julie

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  7. What a heartwarming post. I'm glad Pippi is in foster mother mode - that made me smile. As for Noah, ah, once wee pup gets a handle on things… kitty my have her paws full! :)

    Happy New Year!

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  8. You made me smile. We've had Lab puppies. They're wonderful, but so much work!! And sometimes they can be so resistant to being housebroken. Hope your puppy matures quickly.

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