[Ann]

Hello fellow cockapoo fans. I know I introduced myself some weeks ago, but now I can introduce my chocolate boy, Reuben.

He actually came home on Monday, but I've only just managed to upload a couple of photos (newish camera plus never having done this before). He is now 7 weeks and 6 days old and a lovely chunky little fellow.

Everything is going well - so far! For that I must thank Katie (lola24) - she really is a gem of a breeder and a mine of sound information and advice on all aspects of caring for our doggy friends.- I couldn't have wished for better.

Thank you, also, to everyone who posted suggestions for a name. They were much appreciated. This really is a great forum - I've read that some of you are addicted - all I can say is that I too now need my daily fix!

Ann & Reuben x

 

[Missgvus]

He is scrummy. He looks so chilled sat there looking gorgeous. These cockapoo's are perfect little pups and never get into mischief

 

[Ann]

That's right Missgvus - although I had long forgotten that there were two 6:30s in one day!

 

[JoJo]

Hi there Reuben...

Oh puppies .. my favourites xxx

I bet you are up nice an early again this morning for your new mummy

 

[PipE]

Hi Ann,
Reuben is gorgeous! How are you feeling after your first few days? If you're anything like me you'll be exhausted!!!

I had a bit of a meltdown 5 days in. I was hormonal, knackered(!), Stu was going away with work for 4 days and I had a pre- arranged work day on Friday that I couldn't get out of and needed to arrange childcare and someone to look after Kipper (didn't know Stu had to go to Prague when we agreed to take Kipper home last weekend)!
My day at work was actually the best thing I could've done- it gave me break!
Now although I'm still tired from the 5.30am starts, I feel refreshed mentally to take up the challenge again! And Kipper is so loving, you can't help adoring her.
I have found this forum incredibly helpful as things like, her not eating for the first day or so, crying at night, chewing everything etc etc are all normal behaviour.
The only problem is, that I have also learnt all the things that might go wrong and I think it's made me worry a bit unnecessarily about some things. I feel so guilty leaving her to go to work! (I'm a mobile hairdresser so can come home for an hour every couple of hours)

Anyway, sorry to waffle on, I just wondered if you've had any 'OMG! Should we have done this?!?' moments??

(I adore Kipper and wouldn't be without her now!)

Pip X

 

[lola24]

Oh Ann, those pics have just set me off again!!
Ted is going today, really don't think i'm cut out for this breeding lark- i don't want them to leave!!

 

[ali-s.j.]

Ann he is adorable, looks like butter wouldn't melt ....
Katie, you've done a fine job, my goodness Lola is going to be a very lucky pup when the cuddles don't have to be shared

 

[Ann]

Hello Pip,

Thank you for your post and compliments re Reuben.

Yes, there have been times when I'm tired - never been a morning person! However, although Reuben is my first cockapoo, I have had dogs before so I kinda knew what to expect. I suppose it's like having babies - I'm told you are always more relaxed with your second etc. All puppies are similar in that they eat (although many don't when they first leave their litter), sleep, wake up early, wee, poo, play and chew. I'm lucky in that number 1 (and only) son is now 21 and away at uni so I have the time to devote myself to settling Reuben into chez Pilkngton.

Don't beat yourself up about your puppy parenting skills, Pip, - as with kids it's the ones who don't go about it in a thoughtful and considered way, as you do, who are the problem. You are getting home far more frequently that most. Also try not to dwell on problems that might happen, just be aware, and do what you can to prevent them. That's all you can do. As with the 'news', you tend to hear the bad stories, but there are millions of good stories out there.

I would say just keep doing what you are doing - reading up/following this forum and asking advice from the experts on here or at the vets should you need it. Again, as with babies, things do get easier - let's face it puppies usually manage to be housetrained far quicker than babies!!!! - although it might not feel like it at times.

Hope this helps.

All the best

Ann & Reuben x

 

[ali-s.j.]

What a lovely post

 

[Jedicrazy]

Hello Rueben :wave: What a cutie :hug:

 

[Ann]

Oh Ann, those pics have just set me off again!!
Ted is going today, really don't think i'm cut out for this breeding lark- i don't want them to leave!!

Oh dear, Katie. Get those tissues out!

really don't think i'm cut out for this breeding lark
Yes you are!!! You must do it again - although if you keep a puppy from every litter hubby may move out - just weigh up the pros and cons first!!! Feel proud of what you have achieved! - and just think - you wouldn't have the lovely Lola if you hadn't. Also you will be seeing Ted quite frequently, I think, won't you? You could arrange joint walks - it would be lovely to see mum, son and daughter all playing together.

Now, stiff upper lip . . . . . or would a strong snifter be better!?!?

Reuben is fine and an absolute star. I will update you later.

Love,

Ann & Reuben x

 

[Tressa]

Love the name Rueben, and he is such a sweetie sitting there. Welcome, wee fella!

 

[Ann]

Ann he is adorable, looks like butter wouldn't melt ....

Yes, Ali - not quite 8 weeks old and a con artist already!!!!! Seriously though, he is a joy.

 

[MillieDog]

He's lovely Ann and such a nice name too.

 

[PipE]

Thanks Ann for your lovely post.
I'm feeling so much better today about everything, I think a lot of it was hormones. I know its very early days.
She's the first dog I've ever had so it's all very new to me. A lot of it is definitely like having a baby and I managed that ok!! (People even tell me what lovely children I have!!!)
Kipper is such a poppet I know she'll be worth all the hard work.

Thanks again for the reassurance. (and I'll definitely be carrying on reading the forum, I'm an addict!!)

Pip X

 

[Ann]

Glad you're feeling better today Pip. New day, new you. Exhaustion is a huge confidence sapper - just wait till you're my age!!!!!. . . . . .perhaps not . . . . I was trying to cheer you up!!!!!!

Ann x

 

[ali-s.j.]

Oh yes, those pre-menopausal hormones....

 

[PipE]

Oh yes, those pre-menopausal hormones....

Haha!! That's what I said to my Mum! 'Im 40 now- Im probably menopausal!'
(sorry to the men on here.... That's probably way too much info!!)

Pip X

 

[Ann]

Oh yes, those pre-menopausal hormones....

They certainly have a lot to answer for!

 

[Ann]

Haha!! That's what I said to my Mum! 'Im 40 now- Im probably menopausal!'
(sorry to the men on here.... That's probably way too much info!!)

Pip X

I bet there's a forum somewhere - don't think I'll go there though - too many homicidal women. Just imagine the posts!