Are we sad when puppies go?

Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chablis female puppy gives her new owner a kiss.

A common question Jerry and I hear when a family picks up their eight-week-old puppy is:  “Aren’t you sad to see your puppies go?”

It seems such an innocent question but, as with many things, the real answer is complex.

First of all, it’s our business. Even though we train dogs, guide hunters and sell gear, a key component of Northwoods Bird Dogs is breeding dogs, whelping litters and selling puppies.

The reason we’re in this business, though, is because we love dogs and sometimes it is difficult when puppy dispersal time comes around. For whatever reason, a certain puppy will become a favorite of Jerry’s or I’ll fall hard for the littlest male or the perkiest female. In fact, I still remember very special puppies from years ago…puppies we named Lily, Linus, Moxie, Cotton, Pete, Peanut, Zeus and Jingles.

Northwoods Blue Ox x Northwoods Chardonnay female puppy takes a nap on her new owner.

Ultimately, the whole thing becomes a win-win-win situation:  Jerry and I make a living, the new owners gain a treasured pet/hunting companion and the puppy has a great life.

To borrow from Ina Garten, how gratifying is that?

P.S. I’m happy to report that puppies from our three litters this year seem to be relishing their new lives. Many thanks to the Gudenkauf, Blomberg and Rader families for sharing these photos.

Blue Shaquille x Snyder’s Liz female puppy loves rides in her family’s boat.