We kept 2 puppies from Zilpo and Inko's second litter. Despite all efforts
to not get attached and not name them, we did. When you raise the pups in your home and treat them as your own in order
to socialize them well to go to home, it is hard to not get attached. We could not imagine our lives any other way!
Chief was the biggest male in the bunch - the second one born - and certainly the most
gregarious male! Today, I call him my Gentle Giant and my Lump of Love. He is happiest by our side - he has the
sweetest mouth.
Binge
(pronounced Bing-guh) was the little girl that was born non-vital. Zilpo was so tired by this point in the birth order,
she did not want to stand and the pup was stuck in the birth canal. Doug got into the welping box to hold her up and
out came the pup. We cleaned her up and massaged her - she was barely vital - so, we decided it's always
better to let mother nature take her course. So, we placed the pup against Zilpo's chest, expecting that she wouldn't
make the night. Indeed, in the morning, she was feeding!! So, not surprisingly, I developed a special attachment
to this little one! And, today, she's by my side - and is super sensitive, especially when Chief is getting chastised!
Rarely does she misbehave! She's my Sweet Petunia, preferring to lay on the couch with us instead of wrestling with
Zilpo or Chief.
Zilpo remains healthy, vigilant, loyal, and sweet. She continues to be the consumate mother and playmate.
And, I believe also looks forward to bedtime for the puppies so that she can have some alone time with Doug and I. She
gets very snuggly in the evenings after the pups go to bed and in the mornings before the pups get up.
It's a wonderful life!
