Fox Red Lab – Angela Jelf

Somewhere between week two and week three, the magic happened.

The puppies’ eyes began to open – changing from small stitched-together slits to inky pools of personality. The transformation was gradual, but as profound as if each pup was suddenly coming to life – becoming a real pup! Eyes really are the windows to the soul.

With the awakening of this new sense, came an increasing independence. Suddenly, these pups were noticing us. (By the way, being noticed by a puppy is a most endearing experience). And actually noticing there was a world beyond the whelping box. And it wasn’t long before their tottering legs began to follow.

First they would edge to the front of the box and squeal like a flock of seagulls. Then, if the gate was open, they learned to sort of dangle over the edge and then belly-flop out.

At first, their wobbly legs prevented them from getting anywhere too fast. Their eyes were still widening and getting used to focusing.

But that stage didn’t last for long. Soon, every nook and cranny in the lounge became a new place to explore. Or wee in.

Nathan often bemoans the amount of cushions that we have in our house (buying new cushions is the next best thing to redecorating, in my book) – but let it be said here, that those superfluous cushions were about to become jolly handy. Suddenly, they were blockades. The perfect ‘scrunchable’ tool for stuffing into any puppy-sized holes that were out of bounds. Like underneath the armchairs. Or down the side of the bookcase. Or over by the plug sockets.

By this time, each of the puppies had a forever home too. It was a bit like a jigsaw puzzle. I don’t know exactly how it happened, but somehow, each new home seemed to be the perfect match.

Playful Holly, with her peachy hue, was going to a wonderful, family with two young boys and a baby on the way!

Handsome Ralph, with his smart coffee-coloured collar, would be going to live by the sea with his sweet, doting pup-parents.

Cute little Lottie, our smallest darkest girl, (aka Sassy P) was going to a lovely family of Labrador lovers, to grow up with 11-yr-old twin girls.

Sweet, comical Steve, with his Andrex Pup Face, was going to a fun-loving family with three growing children. They had recently lost a beloved Labrador.

*Blue Collar – Steve (official name tbc)*

Cuddly, chilled out Leo was going to live with an incredibly calm lady who was looking for a hiking buddy.

*Green Collar – Leo (official name tbc)*

And adorable Rudi, our smallest, darkest boy was going to a wonderful couple who had recently lost a 17 year-old family dog.

Which left one sweet, teddy-bear faced girl for us to keep!

Meet Honey!

*Lime Green Collar…Honey! Sweeter than mum’s apple pie!*

But there was still a lot of growing to do before they would be ready to venture off into the big wide world….

Until then, enjoy a video of Steve, auditioning for the cutest pup in the world awards.

Here’s a little snippet from a Picture Book series I’m currently working on. Can you tell who inspired it?

Once, there were ten tumbling, bumbling, honey-coloured puppies, who needed a forever home. None of the puppies yet had names. Instead, they each wore a different coloured collar, so that people could tell which one of them was which.

At first they were small and snuggly and cosy and dozy. But every day, they grew!

They wobbled and wiggled.

They toppled and tumbled.

They nuzzled and nibbled.

Until soon, they were big enough to chase and race around the garden.

One day, a nice family came to adopt a puppy of their very own. All of the puppies were unique and special so it was very difficult to choose.

Some were big.

Some were small.

Some were sleepy.

One was sassy!

But the pup with yellow collar was funny, licky, snuggly and sweet….

Tag: Fox Red Lab

Hello World! (Meet The Pups!)

The Pup With The Yellow Collar