and they're off

Over the weekend the puppies set off on the next leg of their big adventure - one to Cornwall, one to Plymouth and one all the way to West Sussex.  Before they went, they had 3 clear vet checks, 3 microchips and 3 clear eye tests.  There was not one episode of vomiting in all that - and not even any drooling!  Natural-born travellers, these puppies.

And also before going, there was the opportunity for a few last cuddles with mama.

Karhu having mama cuddles all by himself

Considering how much Tuuli has enjoyed spending time and playing with her puppies, you might think that she was distressed to see them go.  But no, she was quite content to see them go off one by one with their new owners and when she wagged the last one off, she promptly hopped up onto the sofa, flipped onto her back with her feet in the air and had the best, deepest snooze she has had for 2 months.  As with all things puppy-related, Tuuli knew exactly when the time was right for them to go.

After Anni and Karhu had left, Arvo was left briefly on his own.  Luckily I had borrowed Ulla for the weekend to take her to a show, so she was on hand to keep him well occupied and tire him out for the drive to West Sussex.  When you think how roughly she plays with Loki, it's amazing how gentle she was with Arvo.  And she did a pretty good job of teaching him all the funny play-faces.

And so to the home pics.  Arvo was the last to go and Karhu was first, followed by Anni shortly thereafter.  I couldn't resist including a photo of the same family members leaving with Rauhan EIGHT years ago.  I don't know if they can believe it was that long ago, but I sure can't.

Karhu off with Kirsty & Luke

Arvo heading off with Adele & Wesley

Anni with Katy, Hattie & Emma

The same family 8 years earlier with Rauhan

mid-week games

The puppies were rampaging around the outdoor pen in the way that 7-week-old puppies tend to do first thing in the morning, so I got out the camera to catch the evidence.  Of course, the minute I pointed the camera at them, they did this instead.



But they can't just sit there looking cute indefinitely.  Eventually normal service resumes, as shown below.  And if any of you were thinking Karhu was quiet, retiring and shy, you should see him when the scrambled eggs are served.  Not to mention when he gets his sister on her back in the box.  Once she has given up trying to get my attention, that is.

7 weeks old

The countdown has now started.  This time next week all the puppies will be in their new homes.  It's a bittersweet time for us - so exciting for their new owners, and it's heartwarming to be making some people so happy.  But we will miss them.  We always do miss them, and I shed a tear as each one leaves.  But we will especially miss these 3 who are so quiet and easy.  It's quite a difference to have a litter of 3 from, say, one of 9.  Quite a difference.

Having said that, even three 7-week-old puppies can make their mark is pretty short order.  Anyone who hears me talk about puppy-proofing might think I exaggerate about doing away with EVERYTHING within reach that's not tied down or otherwise firmly attached.  Woe betide anyone who underestimates the determination of a tiny Lapphund who has discovered a loose thread... or a gap by the skirting board, for example.

And people might think I'm being a bit overly dramatic when I tell them not to leave their puppy unsupervised.  Here's what the threesome did this morning in the few minutes I left them unsupervised in the kitchen.  Instant chaos and destruction. 

So, their new owners are duly warned.  But they can be pretty cute and butter-wouldn't-melt-ish too, as evidenced in their 7-week portraits, taken today with the help of some grated cheese.  So if you're wondering what's on their faces, it's cheese crumbs.  And if you ever need to bribe your puppy to do something, then a sliver of grated cheese is the answer.

Arvo

Anni

That tail?  Wagging.  As usual.

Karhu