Eleven years old – Monday 19th September 2022

Eleven years old

Today Aristotle and his brothers and sisters are eleven years old. A very happy birthday to Ari, Amigo, Rafa, Sogeli and Dora. We also remember Arnie and Addie somewhere over the rainbow bridge keeping our Alfie company. Shadow was in reminiscing mood when we were talking about it. His birth was a Monday too. She said it was odd being her first time. You think about what’s going to happen and worry you won’t know what to do, but so much of it comes naturally. You don’t know how you know what actions to take, but you do. She and Mum were glad that it was a daytime birth for her first litter, it made life much easier. They hadn’t had much sleep all weekend, but at least they know the vet would be on hand for advice if they needed her.

All very civilised

The birth was all very civilised from how Mum and Shadow describe it. Shadow gave birth to four of her puppies in the morning and regular intervals. There was enough time to clean each one up and have it starting to suckle before the next one came along. Then they all had a bit of a break for lunch before four more were born in the afternoon. Sadly, little Aisha, who was named after Shadow’s real name, didn’t make it. She lived for a few hours, but died in Mum’s arms at 3am the following morning.

Ari was the runt of the litter, but a fighter from the start. He was determined that one way or another he was going to survive. That was how he came to stay living here. Mum bonded so closely with him, trying to give him extra feeds and take special care of him. She’s been doing that ever since – the special care bit anyway.

Love from all of us

Our love to all five of the remaining siblings. Have a wonderful birthday and we’ll raise a bowl to toast your old age. I hope the others still think they are puppies as much as Ari does.

Love

Wilma