The “Marty” Bug

^^Look at Baby Marty…how could I resist??^^

This is the life! There really is nothing better than being a Newfoundland breeder. Not only do I have the best dogs in the world but these pups…they are the best kind of therapy in the world. When I first started this gig, my family was afraid that I would become emotionally attached to all the pups and keep them. I’m not a idiot…I knew that it was going to be hard letting them all go. I’ve always been an animal person and having them for a full 8 weeks… how could I not fall in love? While I’ve bonded with every one of the pups and still laugh and sometimes even cry when I think about them, there was one. He was the first of my “puppy loves”. The first litter of pups were literally next to my bed…they had the whole side of my room to wonder but Mr Marty (with his one white leg) stole my heart. I was laying in bed one night. All the pups were sleeping (and I almost was), I felt a teeny paw scratching at my arm. I grabbed my phone and turned the light on to see what was going on and there was Marty…he had jumped up to peek above my bed and it was just the tips of his paws and the top of his head. I picked him up and brought him to my chest and he passed out on me in the sweetest of ways. I knew this one was special when he raised his head up, put his paw on my chin (it was like he just wanted his paw to be touching me) and then very lovingly gave me a lick before dozing back off and he slept with his grandma that night. That did it! I didn’t know how in the world I would be able to let him go. In fact, I almost didn’t. I had the hardest time with it. Many tears and pro’s and con’s lists were made. I knew I didn’t have enough room to keep him and surely the city would be at my door if I had another dog. So, I prayed and I prayed and decided to trust that things would unfold the way they were meant to. Marty went to his new family and I’ve been blessed enough to have stayed in touch with his mom whom I now consider a friend. Not only have I gotten to see Marty growing up, but I get to see how loved and spoiled he is by his family and the best part of all… I can see how much he loves them. His mom always sends pics and updates with him just wanting her to hold his paw. You can see how much he loves her and he purposefully wants her to feel his love. It brings me to tears every time I see and never gets old.

^^That’s Marty now…what a handsome lover!!^^

Every litter that I have is special. These pups start developing their personalities while they are with me and they get used to my smell and the sound of my voice. The older they get, the more they follow me around, which I love. The cutest thing is when they sit and almost break their necks trying to give you puppy eyes. I can tell you which ones are the rebels, the lovers, the bosses, the lazies, the talkers, the adventurers…all that before they go to their homes. How could I not fall in love with them? Luckily, I have a group that allows us to share updates so I do get to see them. Some more than others and there are a few that have chosen not to share, and that’s totally their prerogative but I still think of the pups…every single one of them. I just feel so incredibly blessed to be doing this life. These are more than just pups, they are family and not just to me…to their new families. Marty’s family is growing. I am so incredibly excited to watch him with his new baby sibling. I cant wait to see the bond they develop as they grow together. What a beautiful, beautiful thing I get to do. My babies made that pup and now to see him in his family…it’s just the best.

This litter, “the Marty bug” has bitten once again. In a hard way.

^^How freakin adorable is this pup? My sweet little Peppermint Patty"^^

Peppermint Patty is one of the cutest, funniest, toughest, but sweetest and most lovable pups I have ever seen. I swear if I had a farm I would keep her. I can’t have my farm fast enough. I know there is absolutely no way I could keep her without being in a whole mess of trouble. Not just the local laws but my family as well. As much as we all love our dogs, they are literally taking over the house lol. Another one, and I might be the one getting kicked out. Now, I am back to praying. The other pups are finding their homes. She is smaller so she wont be anyone’s first pick which breaks my heart. If people could see the personality and demeanor of this pup, I promise she would be their first pick. She was the runt…I was so afraid that she was too small to suckle…especially with the competition of 8 siblings who tower her in size. I gave her lots of one on one time with mama and I made sure to do a lot of skin to skin contact for extra warmth when Grace wasn’t around. I was paranoid from the pups we’ve lost in the past, but not Patty! She was a fighter. From day 1, she was so strong. She may have been the smallest but don’t tell her that. She would tell you where to take that lol! To see her now, at 4 weeks, holding her own against her siblings…it gets me all emotional to think about it. She’s a special one. Totally healthy and perfectly Newfie in every way…just a bit small.

^^That’s Gidget from baby to 7 months!! What a beautiful and now BIG girl!!^^

Grace’s last litter produced a runt similar in size to Patty. I named her Gidget because she was so dainty. She definitely grew while with me BUT I had absolutely no idea she was going to shoot up the way she did. Her family has an older pup (but less than a year) from Bash’r and Breezy and Gidget is already as tall if not taller than her! Her mom, also a friend gained since bonding over Newfies, has sent so many pics and updates…I’m just shocked at what a big girl she is. She’s got her daddy’s height, that’s for sure! It makes me so happy to see. And, it gives me hope that Patty wont be too small for the Newfie minded family. If I we're being completely honest, finding her family isn’t going to be as easy as the rest. She needs one that sees her exactly how she is and falls in love. And I will wait as long as it takes to find them. I will be as picky as needed, for Patty’s sake.

And that’s my job. I don’t take this lightly at all. I’ve chosen the wrong family twice in all my litters. One was surrendered and I placed him in his AWESOME rescue home…he was meant for this home all along! The other slipped through the cracks and we are actively still looking for him, with the help of the AKC. I know I can’t predict the future and I know things change but providing the best home for my grand-pups is my biggest priority. Raising Newfies is NOT for the faint of heart. Anyone who has owned one before can tell you that. But mornings like this…when a puppy break out happens and (I was having an already stressful morning, rounding them all up and watching their reactions to getting caught and being put back in their area is hilarious and cute. It turned my whole day around. I love these pups. I am so extremely blessed to be living this Newfie life. I know I’m that crazy Newfie lady but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

And I just want to take a moment to publicly acknowledge all of the family/friends I have made in this journey; For those of you puppy families that have shared your pup and opened up your family/homes with and to me and mine in the process…I just love you guys. I truly mean it when I say I feel that you all are family and I’m just so blessed to have you all in the B’sharri family. Thank you, guys!