no puppies this year

Sammy is finally in heat - or rather, just out of heat - but we have decided not to breed her before next time. The long delay meant that the pups would be born in late fall and be winter puppies. I have had one winter litter before and even under the best of circumstances (plenty of time for all involved humans and clement weather) it is just not optimal. The puppies dont get the exercise and different experiences as our summer puppies get, the cold makes it dangerous for the little ones to come along exploring the farm as our puppies normally do, and the smooth indoor environment do not give the same experiences as the big wild outdoors. Our pups are normally almost housetrained by the time they leave home, which of course is only possible when the weather is safe enough for little six weeks olds to be taken in and out at all times.
So - we wait, and look forward to spring 2010