Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Being Thankful All Month Long


Leah at South Breeze Farm has come up with a wonderful idea. She is encouraging bloggers to not rush through the month of November in a mad dash to Christmas, but instead to savor each day something we are thankful for. I LOVE IT! So I am adding a Thankful List to my sidebar and each day I intend to add something to it. I love the Thanksgiving season - it is one of the few holidays that can be savored without a ton of preparation. It is a time when we can enjoy family and not have programs, concerts, shopping, and events get in the way. We can focus more on each other and on the blessings we have.

I have a sad update about our little girl puppy. She didn't make it. We lost her last night. She was a fighter - but the odds were against her. We tube fed her every two hours. Previously she had been sucking and nursing but yesterday she became very lethargic. Her breathing became very labored and heavy. I was praying she would go quickly because I could not stand to see her suffer. We fed her at 10:00 last nite, 1cc of puppy replacer with pedialyte. She actually gained a little strength and lifted her head a few times. At 10:30 I checked on her and she was snuggled next to mama with her two tiny little front legs wrapped around her mama's right front paw. It was a precious sight. I got up at 12:30 to feed her and she had passed away. Our hearts are very heavy today but we have the peace of knowing we did everything possible for her. She just wasn't meant to make it.
We are blessed to have three others who are thriving. I will now turn my full attention to them and enjoy watching them grow. Dog breeding isn't for sissies. These experiences hurt to a depth that is surprising. I have been breeding for 8 years and I have been very blessed to not experience this very often. This is only the second time I have lost a living puppy and I have had one stillborn. I love doing it - it brings me much joy as well. But it sure can be hard at times.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh, Robin! I am so sorry that you lost that little one. That does make the job so much more difficult I am sure. Nature can be cruel.

I do love the Thanksgiving idea. Right now, I am smelling the wonderful fragrance of freshly baked bread. Mmmm it is heavenly. I am thankful for a good nose!!

gail@more than a song said...

I'm so sorry about your little puppy, that is hard because they're like members of your family. Hope the others all do ok.

I love your thankful list! I'm glad I have a bernina machine too!

Karen said...

I'm so sorry, too. I loved the pictures you shared and when I read your first line I just went, "nooo." Please share pictures of the rest of the clan as they grow!

Dawn said...

I'm sorry about the little sweet puppy. I know without a doubt that I could not do that job.

Tara said...

How sad that Tiny didn't make it! I hope the other three will be there when I'm home for Christmas.

Myrna said...

Those puppies are adorable! I'm sorry about the little one.

Thanks for stopping by. I have started Holly Springs. I agree it is too good to rush through. Jan Karon really knows how to put the owrds together to tell a story! I am looking forward to getting to know Father Tim a little better!kquikgp

Myrna said...

Those puppies are adorable! I'm sorry about the little one.

Thanks for stopping by. I have started Holly Springs. I agree it is too good to rush through. Jan Karon really knows how to put the owrds together to tell a story! I am looking forward to getting to know Father Tim a little better!kquikgp

Aunt Angie said...

Robin...I am so sorry about the wee one. That is a heart breaker...but you are right...you did everything you could.
I love your thanksgiving idea for the side bar! I am keeping mine in a little 2 ring notebook that I can carry w/me...there I times I need to remind myself of "prayers answered!"
I love you sweet friend!

Mrs. Julie Fink said...

I'm sorry about your puppy that didn't make it. Thanks for sharing the news brief about President Bush's visit.

Leah said...

Just swinging through to check on your list - looks like it's growing! I would have to agree with you that I'm very thankful for books. LOVE books, especially the Good one. =)