and Now

What a difference a year makes. Della's pups are all grown up. They all have new families to worry over them, care for them, and love them. It was a big relief, but I admit that I do miss playing with them, holding them, and teaching them new things. The delightfully innocent look of joy on their faces when I opened that door each morning is something that I'll always cherish.

But they are big, beautiful dogs now, every one of them. Ten of the twelve pups came to the party, had their pictures taken, and got birthday cakes, cookies, and presents. The official birthday pics will come out soon and I'll share them, but here are some that I took yesterday evening at Green Dogs Unleashed. 

Stella's black coat was so sleek and shiny
it looked like she had been polished.

We took Della, of course, and as I expected Della wasn't particularly interested in the pups. She's her own dog now, not defined by being their mother, but still adored by all.  

Bodhi (formerly Modelo) is a very big boy now.
He and Astro (formerly Guinness) are similar size, and
probably at least 20 pounds heavier than any of the others.

Couldn't miss, or forget, the white on the back side
of Bodhi's big feet.

Woody (formerly Carlsberg) with
his Della-like black sleeve.

Our friend and neighbor, Duvel.

Woody (Carlsberg) and Mo-Dean (Allagash)

Mo-Dean (Allagash) and Astro (Guinness)

The beautiful Emmylou (formerly Sierra)

Always and forever Killian, who started out
as the tiniest of pups but grew into a house-
eating super Dane.

Rorschach (Galaxy) wasn't one of
the 12 pack but he was one of hoarder
Danes that we had later last summer.
He was adopted by Mo-Dean's family.

Della didn't seem interested in her pups, but she
did raise a stink when other dogs who were not
her pups were around. She was also eyeing the goats.

This is Auggie (formerly Paulaner)

Astro (formerly Guinness) in front, and Mo-Dean (Allagash)

Kevin, Della, and Clay

Erika made these cakes for all the pups and
for Della. They are carrot cake with mashed
potatoes for frosting. 

I think Della was the only dog to eat the cake
on the spot right after the photos were taken.

Della with her cake.

This is Maze (formerly Chimay) standing
up on the fence to give me a kiss.