
On October 24, 2010, my sweet little girl Rosie welcomed five little puppies into this world. I could tell that morning that today was the day. Of course it would be. This was the day we had planned to go to ride Thomas the Train. Tickets had been purchased, the day had been planned, but some things just don't work according to our time table. There was no way I was going to leave Rose home alone to birth her first litter. So, I sent Rick with the boys and my parents to ride Thomas while I tended to Rose.
The day went by with nothing but a bunch of panting and snuggling. She wanted mama, and I was glad to be there, but honestly? I wanted to see Thomas. And I wanted to see Welles' face when he saw Thomas. Come on girl. Birf dem babies! I'm feeling like an idiot about now. Well, Rick and the boys got home and Rose was still panting. No babies. I'm an idiot. Times infinity.
Then, she started squealing. I knew it was time for me to stay by her side. Within an hour we had three beautiful chocolate and white little boys. Chip had made his mark! Then we had a reprieve for awhile. She rested a bit and then came a little black and white female. The only puppy with any resemblance to Rose.
After that pup was born, I decided to take my bath. While I was bathing, Rick came in to tell me she was whining and contracting again. Another puppy. I told him to just watch her and I'd be out in a little while. When I got out, she was struggling. So I had her stand up, and started to massage the puppy down. I had no idea what I was doing. Just running on instinct and the theory of gravity. And a website open on the laptop guiding me through. Get the baby down. Rose and I finally got her last baby out. Mama was tired and done. Can you imagine birthing 5 babies in one night??? Honey, one is enough for me and that is with an epidural. Hats OFF to ROSE!!!!
And that last puppy. Wow. She was worth it. What a beauty. Solid chocolate female. I wanted her from the moment I saw her. We got her cleaned off, and Rose took over. I didn't sleep much that night. The puppies and Rose were in my bathroom, and I had to make myself give them over to their mother. And to realize and understand. I'm not their mother. Rose will do just fine. And she did. I woke up the next morning to a happily nursing mom with five healthy babies. It was hard to go to work. It was such a precious sight.
And the puppies grew. And as they grew, we became attached. The boys gave them names. Cowgirl(she looked just like a little cow when she was born-now she is Cookie, the pride and joy of my aunt and uncle), Fatty (well he was big), Tongue (stuck his tongue out all the time), Zoom (fast baby, smallest of the litter, first to Run Run Run!!!), and Charlee Brown. The boys just called her Brownie, but I felt like that was too generic, common, so Charlee she was. We watched movies together. There were five of us, and five of them so everything was perfect.
And they grew, and it became time to find them new homes. Cowgirl was the first to leave us, then Fatty. Now Zoom and Charlee are going to be leaving, but at least they will be leaving together. I can't tell you how happy I am that these two puppies are going to be together, spoiled beyond my imagination. And honestly, that's all I want. I want my babies to have good homes. And I feel that I have done all that I can do to ensure that.
I purchased their parents with the specific goal in mind to improve this breed, and to provide quality puppies for those who want them. I searched the country...Chip is from a breeder in Oklahoma; Rose is from Ohio. I dislike backyard breeders who just try to make a buck with whatever male and female they can put together. These babies are MY babies. And I love them. They are a part of my family. They were born in my home and are being raised in my home. And THAT is what good breeding is about. Taking the time to do your research, finding the best males and females, and having them as pets in your home. They are YOUR babies.Not kenneling them outside, using them as a money making machine. I love the shih tzu breed and have for almost 20 years now. I am proud to be a shih tzu breeder because I know that the puppies I sell are quality dogs. And not only that, before you get my puppies, you know that they have been loved since the day they were born. Who can ask for more?