Retiring from the puppy raising business

[Ginny Nightingale]

Hi all--those of you who have been friends since the beginning o Doodle Kisses may remember that I have been raising pups for a reputable breeder since 2011--I started just 6 months after retiring from teaching high school Biology for 34 years with my labradoodle Lyric's litters and then expanding to other females, including Lyric's daughter's three litters--It has been a lot of fun and I have loved the pups and enjoyed keeping in touch with all the new owners....after raising 16 litters, there are a lot of them!

But I have decided to retire and in one week my last litter--Lyric's grandchildren, will take their leave--it is a bittersweet moment because this second career has given me so much love and joy--but it is time to get away from home a bit on trips (three planned between now and August!) and enjoy my almost one-year-old grandson, Sullivan. He is now walking and it makes me realize just how fast time flies with grandkids! My other two children are talking about engagements and weddings so it will be a busy few years for sure!

Happily, this last litter has been wonderful--gorgeous pups with lovely temperaments--and the families have been great too--so, the send off next week will bring tears, but also relief that i have the freedom to go where I want to when I want to...and then there is the joint relief--in the 7 years I have been doing this, I have needed three cortisone shots to keep my arms working!! Also, my dogs will be happy that they no longer have to share their house with a momma who fiercely guards her pups--they have learned to live with gates and a lack of access to me, so it will be nice to let them have free roam of the house again.

Here is the gang--

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Enjoy full retirement!  I love it!  Those puppies are especially adorable. What a great last litter.

[BG and Gavin]

Enjoy your new career as a retiree! You have made many folks happy with your well raised puppies I am sure. Are you keeping one from this litter?

[Amy and Annabelle]

Happy retirement and enjoy your new freedom. Such an adorable litter of pups. 

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Happy retirement Ginny.  I have loved watching your pups over the years and you have surely brought lots of love to lots of people.  Great way to move on to the next chapter.  Sounds like you have lots to do!

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Happy retirement, Ginny. Enjoy that two-legged “puppy” and all your traveling!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

One of each please! What a darling set of puppies.  You have had your arms full of puppies and now it is time to fill them with grandchildren.  Enjoy enjoy.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Ginny, I have loved getting to see the darling pups you have raised and to hear stories about them. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. I wish you well and hope you will continue to let us know how those grandkids are growing and delighting your heart! 

[Linda, Charlie Brown and Beau]

I have enjoyed seeing the puppies you were preparing to send off to their new homes over the last few years.  After retirement - it seems that time flies by!  So many things to do ~ so little time!  Enjoy each and every moment.    

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

What an adorable bunch of puppies to end your career on :) Good luck, Ginny. I think the older we get the more we realize how quickly time flies. Sounds like you have plenty to keep you busy. Enjoy!