Though the country has been in turmoil, we here at Catherton have been kept busy with Molly and Roscoe’s brood. Our daily routine has been pretty much as it would have been feeding, poo picking and hunting for puppies. They are a gorgeous bunch, they have missed out on visitors but Chris and I have tried to stimulate them as much as possible, giving them as many life experiences as we could.

I know many of you have been following our “puppy diaries” , we have posted as many videos/ photos as we could just so the new owners could feel a part of the families development.

They are 8 weeks tomorrow, 2nd May, and are ready to go and start their new lives with their wonderful families. Vet check and microchips happened yesterday and they were all given a good bill of health. They were so good considering their lack of human interaction. They coped with being handed over to a vet nurse in our vets car park, being taken into the surgery for their examination and then delivered safely back to the car. It was an odd experience for them and us. Really missed  our hands on helpers John, Jas’ dad, has sat in the back of the car with them for many litters , but alas not this one. Missed you. 

The weather has been condusive to plenty of adventures into our fields, several have been swimming, Tom actually swam right across the pond, bit disconcerting, but they all shook and carried on. They thought the”rub dubs” with towels afterwards was huge fun.

We took them onto the arena and introduced them to the wobble boards and agility tunnel they loved them, no fears. When I compare them to how some dogs worry when doing these pieces of equipment for the first time I was so thrilled with their bold attitude. Its such an important time in a puppies development. I am feeling confident they will thrive out there in their new homes.

We have been through the pecking by the chickens without mishap. Great Granny Cassie has done a sterling job of teaching them manners when approaching other dogs, unlike Granny Kite who allows any amount of mauling.

They are a fantastic bunch, Chris and I are very proud as I know Jan, Roscoe’s mum, is to.  So sad she has not been able to come and see Roscoe’s babies. We will have mixed emotions when they leave but they now need to have that one to one attention we cannot provide.

Fingers crossed, if the showing season ever starts, 2 puppies from the litter will be coming out, Bob who is going to a family in Cannock and my little girl who will keep her litter name of Puzzle.

All of the families have been so supportive in these unprecedented times, so lets hope we are beginning to see the long road to normality.

I wish them well and know they will gain huge pleasure from their new family members. Life with a Munster especially a young one is never dull!

We are still riding our horses who are really well. Not hacking quite as often but the roads are so quiet, which is a joy. Their schooling is coming on though. We lunge, do pole work to give some variety and they are enjoying the Spring grass. Life for them is pretty much the same. 

The garden is doing OK. Loads still to do so I am looking forward to having more time in the soil! 

Some of you may remember we were open for that wonderful organisation the National Garden Scheme last summer. I doubt this will happen but we have offered to open at short notice in the Autumn if allowed. There will be charities everywhere struggling for funds this year and a lot of worthy causes will be struggling, so I hope to be able to do my bit . 

Must sign off now, puppies to feed for the final day ,it is the last day they will be all together.

Stay safe everyone.