This is Yogi taking a forced break from puppy fostering.
It has been nonstop since the beginning of July. GiGi’s litter: Garrett, Gabe, Griffin and Gracie.
Beau
Dude
and Conway.
Before them, Rose, Ty, and Nutmeg,
Anna,
Sara,
Lily,
and Noah.
Fourteen puppies in eight months. No wonder Yogi is exhausted!
He’s such a great sport and expert puppy raiser, entertaining them, teaching them boundaries, watching over them, and generally allowing them to torture him.
It’s that later part that put him in the cone. Too many puppy licks in ears and eyes leading to infections; lowered immune system and allergies causing hot spots. He has more than earned a break. Camp Yogi is temporarily closed for business. So, naturally, as soon as the cone went on, these two showed up.
Adorable little Heeler mix pups that someone dumped in a field near the rescue. Thankfully picked up by a good Samaritan and brought to us. We named them Barley and Hops. It kills me to leave puppies at the rescue. Not that we have not raised hundreds. But I believe puppies need to be in a home where they can get all of the attention, care, and socialization they need to start their young lives off right. And no matter how careful we are and how separate we keep them, there is always the risk of another dog coming in carrying their own unwelcome guest before these little fur balls have developed strong immune systems.
So naturally, one of these two became unwell. When I arrived last weekend, Barley was clearly not feeling good. His temperature had skyrocketed, he wasn’t eating, and he didn’t want to get up. Emergency measures were kicked in. The fever broke quickly, and by the next day, he was eating. But his legs were not working.
While my mind races right to dark, scary places, our leader stays firmly in the light of hope and drags me along with her. His brother showed no symptoms. She said to let the medicine and rest do its thing. They remained separated, but together, and isolated from all others with only the two of us watching over them. Thirty-six hours later, he got up long enough to poo. The next day, he stood to eat. And by the time Doc set eyes on him again, he greeted her standing with tail wagging. From there, he progressed rapidly. A week later, he is running and jumping…and now…my puppy worlds have collided.
While they wait for their own adoption day, Barley and Hops are hanging out with my former foster, Conway – now named Chance.
I’m hoping we can get Yogi over his hot spots as quickly, because everyone loves a happy ending.
Gardens For Goldens 
Aw, poor Yogi!! Hope he’s feeling much better very soon!! It’s no fun dealing with all that “stuff”!! Glad the puppies have recovered and are having fun together! I need a 5-year-old like your Yogi who can put up with Ducky’s shenanigans.
We’ll order up one for you! 🙂
I enjoy a funny ending as well. 🙂
so, so cute!
He certainly earned a rest, and I hope he feels much better soon.
Thank you!
Good job Yogi, you earned your break! Love the last photo! 🐾🐶
Have a good rest, Yogi. You definitely deserve one.
Yogi, you’re a precious pearl!
You have so much heart for these pups. Thank goodness for people like you.
Thank goodness for dogs like Yogi who show them the way. 🙂
Last picture. Precious.
Sending Yogi our love and quick healing! Yes, we think the “ending” picture is perfect!! Thanks for sharing all these adorable pictures! Poe and family.
Thank you!
Yogi is a true champ! What a dear! I loved each and every photo and it’s so good to have an update. Such a relief to know that Barley is on the mend, too. Precious pups, all!!
Yogi deserves the rest, he has been a busy boy! So grateful to him showing so many the way and to you for always wearing the puppy mama hat so well. Enjoy YOUR break and I hope the next happy ending is these boys in the loving homes they deserve.