Bittersweet Goodbyes

[luckypenny]

I'll start this thread by saying how I can't get over how fast the last couple of months have just flown by. It seems like yesterday I was posting about Cuddles' pups being born and, now, 4 of them have left for their new homes. As all our past fosters, these guys have been such a joy to have with us. They're very special though, they're the first litter I've ever had where all the hard work was taken up by their mom. And what an amazing mother Cuddles has been. She's taught me so much more and I'll forever be grateful to, and in awe of, her.

So, with both happy and sad tears, here are some of the latest photos of our babies.

Sweet Lil' Laurie, who's now Penelope , was the first to leave for her new home. She has two older fur siblings and two young human siblings. Her new family have already written to say they couldn't be happier with their Lil' girl.

[luckypenny]

Marbles is now known as Winston. His new parents wrote to say that he walked confidently right into his new home and has made himself comfy cozy. He slept right through his first night without a peep . He, too, has an older fur sibling.

[luckypenny]

Suziecakes is now Bailey and has dual citizenship . She has a big sister that's already keeping an eye on her all the time . Her mom says she loves to play in the snow and pees every time she goes outdoors. "She is fitting in nicely and is very happy, the tail never stops wagging!"


Last smoochies.


Loving the snow and her leaf.


Big sister Gizmo checking her out.

[sassylemon]

awww, it seems like they grew up so fast. You did an awesome job with Cuddles and her babies

[luckypenny]

And finally, our big guy Hercules left today as well with his new mom and dad. His mom's parents adopted a Rosie dog several years ago so he'll have a big uncle to show him the ropes. Hercules' parents and Penelope's (Lil' Laurie) parents are very good friends so they'll be seeing each other often for play dates too .

I only took this picture as they were leaving today (isn't he adorable in his new sweater ?) but, am looking forward to more photos once he's settled in and I'll be sure to post here.

[diandpat]

Aw Luckypenny...the epitome of selflessness. How incredibly wonderful of you to take in sweet Cuddles in the 11th hour and give her such a safe place to have those sweet pups and to thrive as a great Mum. So so happy she will NEVER have to go through that again.

If the others are anything like Hercules, who I was privileged enough to get to sneak a quick cuddle with, then I can only imagine how bittersweet this weekend really was

I am sure you have picked the most amazing families for your young charges and hopefully they will update from time to time.

You have a heart of gold (though I am sure somewhat broken tonight!!! )

[14+kitties]

You rock lady.

[luckypenny]

Thank you sassylemon, but Cuddles made it so easy. I can say with confidence that they are all like her; super friendly, affectionate, and perfect angels .

If all goes according to plan, Murphy should be leaving Tuesday morning. Checkers is still looking for the perfect furever home to come along as is Cuddles. Being a senior, Cuddles isn't super playful (although she's perfectly patient) so, we'll be introducing Checkers to Lucky so he'll have a great big surrogate brother/father to play with.

Oh, and an update on Cuddles...it's been nearly a week now and she's been perfectly clean in the house . No pee pads, no accidents, and she just started going to the garage door when she wants out. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks ? She is the bestest pupper after all .

[hazelrunpack]

They're just adorable little gentlemen and ladies, LP! You raised 'em right! Wonderful placements, too! Great news about Cuddles' housetraining, too!

[luckypenny]

Thank you 14+, thank you Di. To think I had no intention of fostering when I first met her , I didn't think I was able . Thank dog I couldn't sleep that night and thank dog the director of our rescue couldn't either when I told her about Cuddles .

[luckypenny]

Thank you Hazel. And you're right , they've got the best families ever (it helps that they understand and agree with the verbal part of the contract that states I need continuous updates ).

[hazelrunpack]

I hope you specified text and pics in those updates!! And video where available!

[Loki Love]

Originally Posted by luckypenny

Oh, and an update on Cuddles...it's been nearly a week now and she's been perfectly clean in the house . No pee pads, no accidents, and she just started going to the garage door when she wants out. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks ? She is the bestest pupper after all .

That's wonderful news - you have done an awesome job with her!

Definitely a bittersweet past few days for you. I have so much admiration for those that foster - it must be so hard and yet so rewarding to watch them leave with their new family.

[Jenn~n~Luke]

So happy you found great homes for your babies. I immagine it was very difficult to let them go, but you did a great thing. Sweet puppies..and I'm glad the new families are letting you know how they're making out so you won't worry as much.

[hedgiemama]

It must be hard to see them go, but you know they are going to good homes.
I hope they all keep you updated with lots of pics, which you can then pass them along to us

[Shaykeija]

I think everyone here has now shed a few tears as we say good bye to the pups. I hope that the new parents join us here and give us updates. To know a shih tzu is to witness pure love. LP you have been blessed and now can see the charm of the little dog, with a big heart.

[Dee-O-Gee]

When the pups were being picked up from their furever families, did you happen to mention pets.ca to them?

It sure would be nice to seem them grow happy and strong from their new homes just as we've seen them grow in yours.

Cuddles sure did have a perfect angel looking out for her and her pups!

[mastifflover]

Originally Posted by klmccallum

When the pups were being picked up from their furever families, did you happen to mention pets.ca to them?

It sure would be nice to seem them grow happy and strong from their new homes just as we've seen them grow in yours.

Cuddles sure did have a perfect angel looking out for her and her pups!

Ditto you rock LP

[BenMax]

LP you are wonderful.. I know how hard it is to see them off but you are an old trooper at this. Tell me..does it ever get better than this?

So are you feeling that 'empty nest syndrome'? When is the next one coming in.

[Tundra_Queen]

Awww LP they are so adorable!! You did such a wonderful thing helping Cuddles to raise her babies. I know it is bittersweet for you but hopefully they will all keep in touch with you.

[Melinda]

what a wonderful thing you did allowing cuddles to raise her babies in such a wonderful home, you should be so proud of yourself!!!

[Love4himies]

Awww, LP, how could those sweet babies not thrive and make such wonderful additions to a family when under your loving care . The first 6 weeks are the most important in a pups life

Originally Posted by BenMax

So are you feeling that 'empty nest syndrome'? When is the next one coming in.

[Chris21711]

I guess you cried as each one left LP

Those dear pups received such a good start in life thanks to You and their Mum......

[Frenchy]

So happy that everything turned up fine ! Of course , you being anal () about who can adopt the pups has everything to do with it. good job LP !!

[BMDLuver]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

So happy that everything turned up fine ! Of course , you being anal () about who can adopt the pups has everything to do with it. good job LP !!

Each adopter had to promise their next born child..... LP loves her pups and I am pretty sure that each pup went home with a bag of goodies that weighed twice what the pups did!

[doggy lover]

You did good by these pups LP, hope you find great forever homes for the other one and momma too. Can you keep us updated with pics too as the pups grow when you get them in from the families

[Frenchy]

Originally Posted by BMDLuver

Each adopter had to promise their next born child.....


yes I think it's in the adoption contracts


LP loves her pups and I am pretty sure that each pup went home with a bag of goodies that weighed twice what the pups did!

Of course , they all have food and toys to leave with. The new Global pet store in Brossard looooves LP !

I think I know why ... maybe LP hides mini cameras in those toys ... so she can spy on the new families and make sure they treat the pups well.

[luckypenny]

Originally Posted by klmccallum

When the pups were being picked up from their furever families, did you happen to mention pets.ca to them?

It sure would be nice to seem them grow happy and strong from their new homes just as we've seen them grow in yours.

When I remembered, I did mention it to a couple of families. We go over so much information when the families come to pick up the puppies (can take 2-3 hours) that I forgot to mention pets.ca to some . All are now friends on facebook though so, in addition to emails, I'll be kept updated that way too.

Originally Posted by BenMax

I know how hard it is to see them off but you are an old trooper at this. Tell me..does it ever get better than this?

Bringing them into our home and caring for them is the best part. I'm happy when they've found wonderful homes but, it always feels like I'm giving one of my very own away...the feelings of guilt can be a little overwhelming at times .

Originally Posted by BenMax

So are you feeling that 'empty nest syndrome'? When is the next one coming in.

I still have Cuddles and Checkers plus our guys so the nest never quite empties . I do need to take a short break once they're adopted though, I have a few months of sleep to catch up on .

Originally Posted by BMDLuver

Each adopter had to promise their next born child.....

NO!! No more skin babies for me please .

Originally Posted by doggy lover

Can you keep us updated with pics too as the pups grow when you get them in from the families

Absolutely. I'd explode if I didn't have anyone to share my excitement when I get updates .

[luckypenny]

Originally Posted by Frenchy

Of course , they all have food and toys to leave with. The new Global pet store in Brossard looooves LP !

Oh, I'm not so sure about that. I've been pretty demanding the last couple of weeks .

Originally Posted by Frenchy

I think I know why ... maybe LP hides mini cameras in those toys ... so she can spy on the new families and make sure they treat the pups well.

Geez, I never thought about hidden cameras...wait...yes I have ...just not hidden in their toys. Remind me next time, ok ?

[luckypenny]

This morning was especially hard . It was Wee Munchkin Murphy's time to leave with his new family. I worried about him most in the early days. He wasn't putting on weight as quickly as his siblings and I'd weigh him obsessively several times a day. While the other slept, I'd put him to mom's teats so he'd get some extra milk and, Cuddles being the wonderful mother she is, would often be found nursing him and Penelope (Lil' Laurie) separately. Murphy ended up being one of the larger ones, weighing nearly 4 lbs today. He was also shy compared to his siblings but, now, he turned out to be the most social, always the first to greet visitors and check out new sights and sounds.

Goodbye snuggles right before he left.