You Are Never Too Old to Become Younger! Raising the Barr Weekly Memo: Issue 517

Just six weeks ago we dropped off our dog, Juno, at the breeder’s home to adjust to her new surroundings with them a couple of days prior to delivering her puppies. It wasn’t without trepidation that we entered into this agreement 18 months ago with Deer Pines Labradoodles, for Juno to become one of their dams and eventually give birth to a litter of pups. Even with the best preparation, we couldn’t have known the excitement and wonder that would come with this recent experience of Juno’s pregnancy and delivery of the 6 beautiful puppies. We learned that the idioms and mottoes that we knew were very true. Here are a few:   

1. What you fear in your imagination is often worse than the reality. All the anxiety and worry we anticipated was completely unfounded.
2. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch. We were advised by the special veterinarians that there were 8-10 pups but only 6 arrived. Two prospective “pawrents” were disappointed with this news over which we had no control.
3. Out of sight out of mind. We were sure that Juno would be too busy with her pups while receiving all the breeder’s attention and would forget us. NOT. She squealed and jumped into our arms at each visit.
4. You can lead a horse to water but can’t make him drink! So true! 5/6 of the puppies figured out how to eat and drink from day one. The littlest one is still behind on everything no matter how many times she’s shown the way.
5. Miracles can happen. The animal world creatures have an innate capability to know exactly what to do when they give birth, and it is nothing short of miraculous to witness.
6. Love has no limits. My love expanded day by day as these puppies grew bigger and invaded my heart.
7. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I was actually looking forward to a break from early morning walks and late nights trouncing through the yard looking for Juno’s “spot”. But in fact, Laurel and I missed Juno so much more than expected and couldn’t wait for her return.
8. You’re never too old to……. Fill in the blank. Were we crazy to get a puppy at this stage of our lives? As Mae West said: “You are never too old to become younger!”

Thank you for following Juno’s journey with us and continue to find the wonders and miracles in your life that spark happiness and joy for you and your families.

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