letting go

And so the process of letting go of the puppies has begun.

As of Tuesday night, I was going to post “And then there were five”:

five puppies

Tuesday evening, a lovely young couple from the village took home this little guy:

puppy number 1

Yes, that’s my lap he’s on there.

No word on a name yet, but I know he’ll be happy because they are both big dog lovers–the girl actually called me to ask if she could come and get their puppy sooner than planned because she was exploding with excitement, having prepared his bed and toys already.

Then last night, I delivered one of my very favorite little ones to Rosa, an extremely caring woman who lives next door to P’s house, the one we’ll be moving into at some point–which means it’s only a matter of time before I see Lila (pronounced LEE-la) every single day when I go out on the balcony:

Lila the puppy

Lila is extremely shy at first, but quite playful when she gets comfortable; I sent this precious puppy off with a stuffed gingerbread toy because she loved carrying it around even though it was bigger than her.

I didn’t want to give her to a family with kids who would drive her crazy, so when Rosa stopped me and asked me if we still had puppies the other day (as a matter of fact, there was still one remaining who wasn’t spoken for), I was over the moon happy to say yes–and I knew immediately which of the darling pups she should have.

As I sat with Rosa last night as Lila got used to her, she told me how she raised her last dog from a puppy with a bottle–for two years. A little spoiling is never a bad thing, right?

It was funny, actually, because when I got home, P told me essentially all the same stories that Rosa had told me about her love of animals, how she adored her dog, etc. I hadn’t realized before just how close to his neighbors P had been at one point. Very cute.

I’m so happy that these two have gone to wonderful homes, and I can’t wait to run into them in the village.

So who will be next? This cutie perhaps?

puppy number 3

No, letting them go isn’t easy for me. Yes, tears have been shed.

And I’m afraid more are on the way with four puppies still left. . . .

—————

[tags]puppies[/tags]

41 Beans of Wisdom to “letting go”
  1. Gil
    12.13.2007

    I’m glad to hear that you are finding good homes for the puppies. I never had puppies but had kittens a few times and it seems that you never find homes for all the kittens that you get! Good luck with the rest of the puppies.

  2. Nadine
    12.13.2007

    I don’t blame you sheding some tears. They are so cute and precious.

  3. sognatrice
    12.13.2007

    *Gil, kittens would *definitely* be harder to place than puppies around here too–many people seem to think cats are outside, stray creatures, period. They do feed them, though, so that’s something I suppose.

    *Nadine, thanks. I knew it’d be hard, but I just hope I didn’t offend Rosa like I was crying for the home that Lila was going to!

  4. Giulia
    12.13.2007

    I love how the one woman was so excited getting the puppy’s toys and bed ready for him! Rosa sounds like she will take care of Lila very well. It makes me happy to know that the puppies are going to good homes. It’s natural that you shed tears. Especially since it came down to you getting to know each puppy’s character. *Virtual hugs for you.* Be proud… the puppies came into this world, in good hands! I hope that their new owners continue nurturing them the way you did. πŸ™‚

  5. sognatrice
    12.13.2007

    *Giulia, thanks πŸ™‚ It’s one of those things where logically you know what has to happen, and what will happen, but still…tears. Eh. Being human is a bitch sometimes πŸ˜‰

  6. Vee
    12.13.2007

    It would be soooo heartbreaking. They are so adorable. I want one !
    Glad they have gone to wonderful homes so far and great that you can catch up with Lila from time to time.

  7. cheeky
    12.13.2007

    Tears are falling here too! They are all so precious. Lila’s personality would have won me over instantly. I would have had a hard time letting go also but knowing they are going to good homes would certainly be a comfort to me, as I’m sure it is for you.
    It’s great that you may get to have contact with many of them, if not all. Yeah!
    You have done an amazing job caring for them. I know how loved they are.
    How’s Stella coping?
    xo

  8. Poppy Fields
    12.13.2007

    You got me with that photo of one puppy still to be given away. I know I’ve already said this, but if I was anywhere close, I’d come get him!

  9. Jessica_in_Rome
    12.13.2007

    Oh! The worst part is having to give them away! I hate that! We are trying to get our chinchilla pregnant and I have a feeling I will keep all the babies (they usually only have 1 or 2 the first time). I love having kittens and puppies around. At least you are finding them great homes that are close by!

  10. My Melange
    12.13.2007

    Sognatrice,

    I can’t even imagine..I know I would shed more than a few tears as well!! That little one is soooo cute at the end!!! I think you should be proud that you raised such good little ones…and that they will go to happy homes πŸ˜‰ I think you may be making some folks Holiday Wishes come true πŸ™‚

  11. saraarts
    12.13.2007

    Owoooo, that must be so hard. But you know you’re doing the right thing.

    Hang in there, kiddo.

  12. Confessions of Cleopantha
    12.13.2007

    They are sooooo cute. How wonderful they are going to loving homes and how lucky for you that you can see them in the villages. There still close by, try to find some comfort in that πŸ™‚

  13. qualcosa di bello
    12.13.2007

    you are breaking my heart with this post. what a bittersweet thing…to know they must go at the height of cuteness. it sounds like they are bound for more love though!

  14. Maryann
    12.13.2007

    awwww..bittersweet. They were so lucky to have you as a mom πŸ™‚

  15. nyc/caribbean ragazza
    12.13.2007

    I am so glad they have found such good homes. I know you are sad now but at least you will be able to still see them from time to time. πŸ™‚

  16. sognatrice
    12.13.2007

    *Vee, thanks for your support; they are cuties, aren’t they?

    *Cheeky, Stella seemed to be looking for the first one after he left, and then this morning, we walked by Lila’s new house and heard her crying, so she was looking around, but overall, she’s pretty good. We’ll see how it is when they’re all gone….

    *Meredith, such a pathetic little face, isn’t it?

    *Jessica, best of luck!

    *Robin, I keep thinking the same thing about the holidays–hopefully they’ll be appreciated gifts πŸ™‚

    *Sara, thanks. Thank goodness I still have my girls to keep me on my toes πŸ˜‰

    *Cleo, I really hope I don’t get to be annoying to the new caretakers πŸ˜‰

    *Qualcosa, height of cuteness is right! They’re so fun now too πŸ™‚

    *Maryann, thank you πŸ™‚

  17. sognatrice
    12.13.2007

    *NYC, it’s going to be so fun to see them grow!

  18. Jenn
    12.13.2007

    Oh, my heart is sad for you. I am glad that you will live close someday to Lila, so you can watch her grow and change. I am sure Rosa understood about the tears.

    How I wish I was closer, because I would love to have the adorable puppy in the last pick. So cute.

  19. sognatrice
    12.13.2007

    *Jenn, she is a charmer, that last one. Thanks for your comment πŸ™‚

  20. alexmom
    12.13.2007

    Buon Natale, Cuccioli. Cosi dolce.
    Grazie Michelle

  21. The (Mis)Adventures of a Single City Chick
    12.13.2007

    Jeez, Michelle, I was getting teary eyed just looking at the pictures and reading your post. I would have been a mess if I was actually the one giving them away (albeit to very good homes). Big hugs to you! Thankfully, your village is small enough that you’ll no doubt get to watch them grow up and still be able to visit. That last little puppy face just about did me in. How would he feel about being air mailed? πŸ˜‰

    Christina

  22. witnessing am i
    12.13.2007

    They are very cute, Sognatrice. If I lived in Italy, I would take one in. I’d take them all in, if I got to live in Italy.

    Good luck on finding four more good homes.

  23. Karina
    12.13.2007

    AWWW…I can imagine how hard it must be to let them go, but I’m so glad you have found good, loving homes for all of them.

  24. Tui
    12.13.2007

    I’m glad that you are finding such good homes for the wee ones, but I know that I would cry, too! They are adorable. πŸ™‚

  25. Wanderlust Scarlett
    12.13.2007

    Oh! I’m so sorry about the tears, but beginnings are usually not easy and this is a new start for each of the little ones.

    They are SO cute, I wish I could have one, but ’tis not possible. I have enjoyed them all vicariously through you.
    Thank you!

    Big hugs!

    Scarlett & Viaggiatore

  26. flutter
    12.13.2007

    AHHHHHHH heavens. I want to cry and I haven’t even snuggled with them.

  27. Maddy
    12.13.2007

    Have you put them on super growth hormones or something, or am I just late in the day?

    They are very cute.
    Best wishes

    This is my calling card or link“Whittereronautism”until blogger comments get themselves sorted out.

  28. Taffiny
    12.13.2007

    So sad to see your little ones leaving home, so great to know they are going off to loving new ones.

    It is great that you will still be able to see Lila almost every day.

  29. Proud Italian Cook
    12.13.2007

    You’re such a good Mommy, It’s hard to let go! They’re sooo cute!

  30. Chris
    12.13.2007

    You’re so good to give these cuties new homes. That last one…oh my…I was so close to book my flight. I this I heard him bark my name! πŸ™‚

  31. Rebecca
    12.14.2007

    I am such a doggie person as well….letting go is terrible, even with the promise of “seeing them in the village!!”

  32. Antonella
    12.14.2007

    Wow, I can’t believe it. Nobody has brought up the subject of keeping down the stray dog population in Italy. Like, will any of these new puppy parents spay/neuter them? Will you get Stella spayed now that she’s had her first litter?

    I know you’re a good doggie mommy but you’re an American, after all. Italians are known for mistreating animals.

  33. heartinsanfrancisco
    12.14.2007

    Ohhh, SO cute! There is nothing more adorable than puppies.

    Do you think I could have him or her if I move to Italy immediatamente?

  34. Christine
    12.14.2007

    Oh my goodness, Lila was totally my favorite. Although the one marked “next” is pretty darned cute too.

    Rats, why don’t you live closer.

  35. sognatrice
    12.14.2007

    *Alexmom, grazie a te πŸ™‚

    *Christina, I’m sure she’d love it…your bank account probably wouldn’t though πŸ˜‰

    *David, thanks; I think we’re set on the homes, now to make the hand-offs….

    *Karina, thanks; definitely hasn’t been easy, but obviously I couldn’t have 8 dogs. Right?

    *Tui, thanks! More tear partners–yeah!

    *Scarlett, thank you for the hugs; I’m passing them along to Luna, Stella, and the remaining pups πŸ™‚

    *Flutter, they’re pretty cute, huh?

    *Maddy, nothing special in their diet; they’re 8 weeks old now πŸ™‚

    *Taffiny, thanks; I can’t wait to see them grow!

    *PIC, grazie mille πŸ™‚

    *Chris, that last one *is* a charmer. Definitely a face that screams “Take me home!”

    *Rebecca, thanks for the support; I know it’s strange to non-animal people, but they become such a big part of our lives, you know? I know you know πŸ™‚

    *Antonella, Stella will definitely be spayed when the time is right (I don’t know if you’ve read that when we found her, she was already preggers), and three of the four feminine pup caretakers have talked to me about spaying; at least one of the two males will likely be neutered (he’s going to P’s brother), the other one probably not.

    Actually we don’t have stray dogs in my village as any time one wanders in (because a tourist has abandoned it) someone takes him (usually him) inside. Before Stella arrived, Luna was the *only* female around, so there isn’t much of a chance for the stray population to increase here.

    There are strays in the Marina, though, but since it’s quite a trek even for dogs, the ones from up here rarely go down there (mine, of course, never b/c they’re out on leashes or otherwise with me or P). The boys, though, yes.

    Anyway, I wouldn’t give these puppies to anyone who would mistreat them; these are all people who are animal lovers and who have demonstrated that even with how they respond to Luna and Stella. Believe it or not, there are some Italians who let the dog sleep in the house just like I do πŸ˜‰

    *Heart, she would love that! Keep us posted on your flight info πŸ˜‰

    *Christine, Lila was my favorite too, or at least one of my two favorites (the all white one being the other). I love them all, of course, but I think it was hardest with Lila, and now when Bianca Neve goes, that’ll be the worst of it. Sniff sniff.

  36. The Passionate Palate
    12.14.2007

    Sniff, sniff…tears. Oh, you are so lucky they went to good homes!

  37. Figs Olives Wine
    12.14.2007

    Heartbreak! But it sounds like you’ve found wonderful homes for them – that’s got to be a huge relief.

  38. JennDZ - The Leftover Queen
    12.14.2007

    You are not helping matters, my dear. I have puppy fever right now. I want a little dog. We just moved to St. Augustine where it seems like everyone is walking adorable little dogs around!!! I talked to Roberto last night about it and he is all for it…just not sure if our cat will be πŸ™
    I would love one of these darlings!

  39. sognatrice
    12.17.2007

    *Jeni, thanks; we still have four with us, but they’ll all be gone soon….

    *Amanda, HUGE relief, yes πŸ™‚

    *Jenn, um, it’s best you not communicate with me for a while then. I’d encourage everyone to get a dog if I could–no better companion in the world (sorry guys) πŸ˜‰

  40. Janet
    12.28.2007

    at least they’re going to good homes …those puppies are just adorable! Glad to hear she’ll be spayed πŸ™‚

  41. sognatrice
    12.30.2007

    *Janet, good homes were definitely the prerequisite in giving them away πŸ™‚

Michelle KaminskyMichelle Kaminsky is an American attorney-turned-freelance writer who lived in her family's ancestral village in Calabria, Italy for 15 years. This blog is now archived. 

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