Yesterday was different, exciting and sad at the same time. We had special friends driving from far away to pick up our sweet Glory. And they brought with them, our Rosebud!

These friends (like family) first connected with us about thirteen years ago when they bought a purebred Cavalier puppy from us, one of our first. She was the original Hope.

As the years past they adopted some of our retiring adults; first Zoey, then Jules, then Rosie. Last year Jules passed unexpectedly, and then they lost Hope the First.

A couple pictures of their three girls that they sent with updates❤️ (L to R; Rosie, Jules, Hope the First)

We had been corresponding and knew they would be getting another Cavalier after Jules passed. But it became a bit more urgent when they lost Hope and Rosie was left without any doggie companions. Although she had her human mom and dad who take the utmost care of all their dogs, Rosie needed a dog buddy. She had never been without another canine friend.

Glory getting her spa treatment before her new family arrived.

And so they made the long trip once again to the farm to get sweet Glory to add to their family. It was bittersweet. We loved seeing them again, taking time to visit and reminisce  and of course to see Rosie again! She looks amazing and is so happy in their home.

And like I’ve mentioned before when people ask me “isn’t it hard to say good-bye to these adorable puppies when they go home?” No, letting puppies go to their excited new families is probably one of my favorite parts of this job. Saying good-bye to an adult is the hardest part (besides actually losing one to death).

Some may think it is horrible that I place my adult dogs in loving homes when they retire.

Let me try to explain, if I’m going to continue raising these adorable puppies for potential adopters, I have to raise more adults to be future parents. Obviously, we want our parents to have a nice life and “retire” at a nice age. So we raise some purebred Poodles and Cavaliers or keep a Cavapoo puppy occasionally to step in when those current ones are ready to retire. So there are always more dogs around then just the current parents. All those dogs require attention, grooming, love, medical care, and space. And I only have so much of each. My house is small, so I can only fit so many in here with me at one time. If I could reasonably have all the dogs in the house with me I would! (Of course, my husband would probably move out and the kids would never visit! :P) But it’s just not possible when you have more than a few.

So I would much rather have an adult that is no longer being a parent, be spayed and retired into a home where he or she is the center of attention; a place where they will be doted on and spoiled. Where they can sleep on the couch, be part of the family activities and given all the attention they want. And I screen and place the dog into what I think sounds like the best home for that particular dog.

The girls getting reacquainted.

Lots of love going around. relaxing together❤️

And so now Glory has her own retirement home with sister, Rosie. Our friends actually call themselves “The Pinewood Retirement Home”. They are near and dear to my heart. <3

Of course they made time to love on the other dogs and puppies too.

Our Hope thinks everyone comes to visit just to see her!❤️

I will miss my Glory girl but know she will have the best retirement life and that makes the farewell a wee bit easier. ❤️