We often forget that what is a way of life for us is quite unknown to others. It has been suggested that I journal about what it’s like for me having a pack of bird dogs and to plan and raise a litter. As I prepare to send my current litter off to their homes I am also juggling breeding Pocket for my next litter so this seems like a timely topic. This is the first post, more over upcoming weeks.
I have only one or two litters a year, for many reasons. One huge reason for me is that I want a personal connection with the hunters I choose to get my puppies. Guys who are out there gunning over their dog 30-60+ days a year across the continent are the best way to get real-time feedback on the talent I’m producing. They are why I breed. With an average of 10 puppies in each litter, I simply would not be able to maintain good communication with more.
I joke that I’m simply the social director for the puppies. This morning is typical. A hunting buddy and his brother stopped in to visit; his brother had just missed out on a contract to buy his dream up-north house near here and consoled himself by sitting on the porch floor beneath a pile of puppies. As we chatted, a family who is getting one of these pups arrived. They had spent the holiday weekend up at their cabin and as such arrived in two vehicles full of kids and in-laws and joined us on the back porch.
It’s now a couple hours later and quiet here once again as the others head back home. Dogs and puppies are sound asleep. Water bowls are cleaned and filled and it’s almost time for puppy lunch. I think I’ll do the same while I have the time.
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