The 2025 Litter at the Briarpatch

We're getting the whelping room ready for Lily as she prepares to welcome her puppies! A cozy, quiet space with soft bedding, warm blankets, and everything she’ll need for a smooth delivery. Nesting instincts are kicking in, and we’re making sure she feels safe and comfortable for the big day. Excitement is building—puppy time is almost here!

 Day one in the world, and wow—what a journey! I’m Mr. Green, the youngest boy, and life so far is all about warmth, milk, and snuggles. I can’t see or hear yet, but I can definitely smell Mama, and her fur is the coziest place to be. My siblings are all wiggling around me, and we pile together in the softest little puppy pile. It’s been a big day, but for now, it’s time to nap, dream, and grow!  

Day two, and I’m still getting used to this whole "mom of six" thing. My puppies are so tiny, blind, and completely dependent on me—I can feel their little bodies snuggling close as they nurse. I’m tired, but I don’t mind. Keeping them warm, fed, and safe is all that matters right now. My humans keep checking on me, making sure I have plenty of water and food, which helps since I need all the energy I can get. My body aches a little, but I curl around my babies, listening to their soft whimpers, knowing I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

 Hi there! I’m Miss Yellow, the explorer in my litter. My world is full of new smells, warm snuggles, and wobbly little adventures. I love curling up with my siblings, but I’m always the first to wiggle toward something exciting! I may be small now, but just wait—I’m already stealing hearts one paw step at a time! 

Hello world, I’m Mr. Blue, there on the left. I'm the eldest boy in the litter. At just four days old, my world is mostly about eating, sleeping, and snuggling with my siblings. When I was born, I couldn’t see or hear yet, but I could have sworn I felt my mother howl something awful. Maybe she was announcing my arrival? Either way, I’m here now, warm, well-fed, and ready to grow into the big, strong boy I was meant to be.

 I knew something was coming, so I did my best to warn my sleeping siblings—squeaking and squawking as loud as my tiny voice would allow. “Wake up! They’re trimming nails!” But just as I was getting into it, I caught the scent of my mom nearby. Suddenly, all thoughts of danger vanished. My little legs wobbled as I made a beeline for the milk bar. A full belly is way more important than a nail trim, anyway. 

  Hey there, it’s Miss Brown! Let me tell you—I’m growing. Just a few days ago, I was half this size, but now I’m twice the pup I used to be! My belly is round, my legs are stronger, and I can wiggle my way anywhere I want. But apparently, getting bigger means I’m also a perfect pillow—at least, that’s what Miss Yellow seems to think. Every time I settle in for a nap, she flops right on top of me like I’m the coziest spot around. I don’t mind too much… for now. But just wait—soon, I’ll be the one doing the squishing! 

 Now? I live in a box. A cozy, warm, never-leave-except-to-pee box. I'm surrounded by six little creatures who think I’m an all-you-can-eat buffet. Sleep? Ha! That’s a thing of the past. Every time I close my eyes, someone needs a snack, a cuddle, or a bath (which, apparently, is my job too). My humans keep telling me I’m amazing, bringing me snacks like I’m some kind of queen—which, honestly, I am. Sure, I’m exhausted, but have you seen these puppies? Absolute perfection! Tiny paws, little grunts, and the softest snuggles. So yeah, life in a box isn’t so bad… as long as the room service keeps coming. 

 Hi, it’s Miss Pink! I’ve been following Miss Yellow, and it seems like this “pillow” thing is a big deal. So today, I decided to try it for myself. I wiggled up onto Miss Brown—she’s soft and warm, just like a proper pillow should be. At first, she didn’t seem to mind, but then she gave a big stretch in her sleep, and whoops!—I rolled right off! Hmm. Maybe I need a sturdier pillow… or maybe I’ll just curl up next to Mama instead. Some experiments take time, after all! 

  Well, this is different. One moment, I was neatly tucked away, soft and clean, and the next—I’m in the middle of a squirming, wiggling pile of puppies! They climb on me, nuzzle into my fur, and one even tried to gum my ear. I don’t mind, though. I may not have a heartbeat like Mama, but I can be warm, soft, and steady. And when nap time comes, and the little ones curl up against me, I think—I belong here. 

A new toy’s here—what could it be?

A snowman, all wobbly, just waiting for me!

We were born in a storm, with snow piled high,

But this one won’t melt, no matter how dry.

Miss Yellow’s chewing, Miss Pink gave a tug,

Mr. Blue just used it as a nap-time rug.

I gave it a sniff, a poke, and a stare…

Still not sure if I really care.

Maybe I’ll chew it, maybe I won’t,

Maybe I’ll love it… or maybe I won’t!

 Ahhh, finally. After days of being squished, I am the one on top. Miss Yellow makes a pretty decent pillow, I must say—soft, warm, and not too wiggling (for now). She twitched a little at first, but I just snuggled in deeper. Feels nice, doesn’t it, sis? Don’t worry, be a very good pillow… at least until I wake up. 

Psst… Mama. Psssst. Are you awake? 

No? That’s okay, I’ll whisper anyway.

I heard there’s someone called Auntie Scilla, and I need to meet her. Like, immediately. I have so many important things to show her—my wiggly tail, my super strong paws, and the way I can (almost) climb over my siblings. I bet she’ll be very impressed.

You’re still sleeping? Hmm. Maybe if I crawl a little closer and whisper right in your ear… Mamaaaaa, let’s go find Auntie Scilla!

I’m Mr. Blue, and I have an important announcement: milk is amazing! Seriously. Have you tried it? Oh wait, you probably haven’t—too bad for you! It’s warm, it’s endless (okay, almost endless), and it’s always there when I need it. Morning? Milk. Midnight? Milk. Just woke up but still kind of sleepy? More milk.

I could talk about milk all day, but honestly… I’m getting kinda full. And sleepy. So sleepy. Maybe just a little nap, right here, in this perfect warm spot. And when I wake up? You know what time it is.

…Milk time.

 I heard there was a big event today—something about Grandma Cocoa coming to visit. But, honestly, it happened right in the middle of my nap schedule, so I wasn’t exactly available. I did crack one eye open at some point and could have sworn I saw her sniffing my stuffy toy with way too much interest. Seriously, Grandma, I’m right here! But before I could protest, my eyelid got way too heavy, and, well… I guess I’ll catch up with her next time. 

 It used to be easy—just wiggle over, latch on, and enjoy. But now? Now it’s standing room only at the milk buffet! I scramble in, paws everywhere, tails in my face, and somehow, I’m still getting elbowed out by my siblings. I try to stand tall on my wobbly legs, but balancing and eating at the same time? Nearly impossible. One of these days, I’ll get the best spot… but for now, I’ll take whatever I can get before I get toppled over again. 

Oh, hello there—Mr. Blue speaking, dashing as ever... and deeply betrayed. Today began with yukky doom juice—the humans call it deworming medicine, but I remain unconvinced. Apparently, this torture continues every two weeks until we are all bigger (as if I’m not already grand). BUT! Just as I was losing faith in my humans, they redeemed themselves—new collars for all, so stylish, regal, worthy! So, to summarize: I was poisoned (allegedly for my own good) but also styled... A true emotional rollercoaster.

 The puppies had it all planned—a legendary 3-on-3 game of Red Rover, the sport of their dreams. The teams were set, the strategy was flawless (mostly just “run fast and be adorable”), and the hype was real. But then, in the pre-game huddle… disaster struck. Someone yawned. Then another. And before we knew it, the both teams had collapsed into a cozy, snoozy, puppy pile. Red Rover? Maybe later. Nap time? Immediate. Priorities, am I right? 

Oh, hello there, adoring fans. It’s me, Miss Purple—radiant, dazzling, undeniably cute! Have you seen my new bling in the daylight? Of course you have. It catches the sun just right, making my eyes sparkle like I was born to be admired (which, obviously, I was).

Now, being this cute is exhausting, so I might just take a little nap… right here… in the prime real estate of the Feeding Zone. Some might call it "double parking." I call it "asserting my rightful place as the center of the universe!" And really, who’s going to complain? Look at me, just LOOK AT ME. Exactly! Now step over me gently and carry on. 

Oh hey—didn’t see you there. It’s me, Mr. Green. Currently very busy at the milk bar, so if I sound a little muffled… well, priorities.

Now, I know what you’re thinking—was all that dramatic screaming really necessary? And to that, I say: yes! What if Mom never came back? What if the milk bar closed permanently? What if I had to… I don’t know… wait a whole extra minute?? Inconceivable! Don’t worry, I’m making up for lost time now. Snacking, growing, probably doubling in size as we speak. Mom keeps sighing like she’s so over it, but she loves it.... probably.

  Hello, adoring fans! It’s me again, Lily—the world’s most stunning, patient, and slightly overwhelmed mom. I swear, just yesterday, my pups were little potatoes wiggling around, and now—boom!—they have legs that actually work. They’re walking! Well… sort of. More like drunken toddles with the occasional faceplant, but still! My babies are mobile, and I’m officially in trouble. 

Miss Purple has sounded the war cry. The Milk Brigade is charging forward. Do I, Mr. Blue, join the chaos, flinging myself into battle for a spot at the milk bar? Why no, I am a pup of wisdom and patience. And frankly, all that shoving looks exhausting. Miss Brown, our fearless wrecking ball, is already charging ahead, with Miss Yellow sneakily eyeing her behind. I'll watch as they jostle, wriggle, and scramble, their tiny paws flailing in determination. Admirable effort, truly. But me? I prefer a more refined approach.

sigh Hey, it’s me, Miss Purple. So, big news—I’ve discovered a brand new way of sleeping. Well… maybe it’s new? I don’t know. All I do know is that it’s comfy. Upside down, legs flopped over, paws in the air—perfection. Sure, gravity is a little confusing, but honestly? Not my problem. The others can run around all they want. I’ll just be over here, living my best maximum relaxation life. Wake me up when it’s snack time.

Ah, yes. Puppy distress. The kind that sends the humans into a flurry, bags packed, keys grabbed, and out the door in record time. An emergency vet visit, they call it. We don’t know what’s going on, but I’m sure the humans have it handled. Still, my daughter Lily is a wreck, pacing, whining, ears pinned back. The grandpups are restless, sensing the worry in the air. And me? I am Grandma Cocoa. I must remain calm. It is my duty to reassure them.  So, with the wisdom of my years—and the exhaustion of a lifetime spent raising children, and now my children's children—I sigh, settle in, and let out a deep, knowing breath. “Deep breaths, everyone,” I tell them with my eyes. “The humans have this. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be over here napping through the stress.”

But don’t worry—I’m a pro at bouncing back! They caught it super early, gave me some medicine, fluids, and all the VIP treatment I desire. After 24-hours of close monitoring and care, I was feeling like a million bucks again! Now I’m on my way back home, full of energy and milking this “I was sick” thing for all it’s worth—maximum snuggles, here I come! Thanks for the rescue to everyone at Maritime Veterinary Emergency + Specialty Centre! Lets hope there is no next time, but if there is, I'll plan for a slightly less dramatic 3 AM wake-up call. Emergencies really do mess with our beauty sleep, you know?

 I was just minding my own business, chewing on my own foot as one does, when I noticed something very interesting—sharp things. In my mouth. Tiny, pointy, excellent for chomping. Were they always there? Did I grow them overnight? Am I evolving? The possibilities are thrilling! Then, as if the universe itself knew I needed to test these new weapons, the humans gave us a bone. A real, actual, delicious bone! A perfect test subject for my magnificent new chompers. I gnawed, I chewed, I conquered! And then—outrage—they took it away after only 15 minutes. Fifteen! What kind of cruel tease is this? But don’t worry. My sharp things and I will be ready for the next round.

Naps are very important. Essential, even. And when I nap, I dream of unicorns. Not sure why. Maybe it’s the new toys. Maybe it’s the grass. Maybe I’m just elegant. While the others are obsessed with their tunnel—cramming into it like a bunch of wiggly maniacs —I prefer a more refined pastime. A nice cozy spot, a good stretch, and off I go to Unicorn Land. There, I frolic. I prance. My ears are extra fluffy. It’s glorious. Then I wake up, someone’s butt is in my face, and reality returns. But don’t worry—I’ll be back with my unicorns soon.

I have returned! After some much-needed rest and extra cuddles (which I fully deserved, by the way), I am back and ready to take on the great wide world! The toys? I will inspect them. The grass? I will conquer it. The tunnel? I might cram into it, but only on my terms. There is so much to sniff, so much to explore, and so many siblings to pounce on. The humans keep an eye on me, but they don’t need to worry—I’ve got this. I am Miss Purple, and adventure awaits!

Psst… Mom… It’s me, Miss Brown. I know it’s almost bedtime, but I just have to tell you about our day! We had so much fun. We wiggled, we pounced, we wrestled. I chewed on Miss Yellow’s ear for a bit—don’t worry, she didn’t mind too much. And then we played the best game ever: synchronized napping! We all cuddled up in a big, warm puppy pile, and I was right in the middle. The coziest spot, of course. And now, here I am, looking to snuggle up against you, whispering all my best secrets. Today was perfect, Mom. Let’s do it all again tomorrow.

 At first, it was amazing. Each of us had our very own bowl, filled  with what smelled like pure deliciousness. Fresh, warm, and oh-so-inviting. Tails wagged. Tiny noses sniffed. This was it—the moment we'd been waiting for, and it was glorious! Our first real food! No more just milk—this was rich, hearty, big dog stuff. We slurped and chomped, tiny paws planted firmly to claim our bowls. It was everything we ever wanted. Life was perfect..... Then the human came back. With the tube, the dreaded Yukky Doom Juice!

One by one, we were betrayed. Scooped up, held firmly (no escape!), and squirted with the most vile goo imaginable... medicine. 

 Oh wow, I, Mr. Blue, have discovered the best new chew toy! The human calls it a 'big toe,' but I call it The Wiggle Bone. It’s soft but tough, it moves when I bite it, and best of all—it makes the human do a funny little dance and say new words I’ve never heard before! I don’t know why they don’t seem as excited as I am, but I love my Wiggle Bone. Now, if only I could get my paws on the other ones… 

It’s us, Miss Yellow and Miss Pink! We just wanted to tell you that naps are amazing—especially when we dream about ducks! So many ducks! Big ones, little ones, fluffy ones—we were very busy chasing them (in the nicest way, of course). Miss Pink swears she almost caught one, but I, Miss Yellow, know I was faster. We wake up feeling so refreshed and maybe just a little bit ready for some real-life duck adventures. What do you think, ducks today? No? Okay… maybe just a snack then. 

 Excuse me, please make way for me—Mr. Blue! I have a very important mission—getting my toy from here to over there. Sounds simple, right? Well, it would be… if Mr. Green weren’t always trying to wrestle me in the middle of it! I take one step, he pounces. I grab my toy, he tackles. I almost make it, and—boom!—we’re rolling across the floor again. But just when I think all hope is lost… BAM! Miss Purple swoops in and pins Mr. Green like the champion she is. While he flails dramatically, I make my escape—toy in mouth, victory in sight. Mission accomplished! …At least until round three. 

Hi there! It’s me, Mr. Green! I just wanted to let you know that I have daggers for teeth. Not regular puppy teeth—daggers. Tiny, sharp, unstoppable. I can chomp, nibble, and gnaw through anything (except, apparently, the furniture… I’ve been strongly advised against that). I use my daggers for all sorts of important things—wrestling, toy destruction, and, of course, gentle (mostly) love bites. So if you see me coming with my mouth open, don’t worry… it just means I like you..... Probably.

Oh, hi there. It’s me, Miss Pink. You probably didn’t see me at first—I was very busy being mysterious in the toy box. You know, just casually hiding, observing, being adorable! I like to make an entrance on my own terms. First, I peek. Then, I strategically wiggle. Maybe I’ll pounce. Maybe I’ll just bat my eyelashes and wait for you to come to me. It’s called keeping things interesting. But don’t be fooled—I may play shy, but when I decide it’s GO time, I am a force of nature. Toys? Mine. Siblings? Chased. Your heart? Stolen.

I see him coming—Mr. Green, all wiggly and full of mischief. He thinks he’s fast. He thinks he’s sneaky. But I am ready. I drop low, paws planted, tail waggling just enough to keep him guessing. He circles. I hold my ground. This is strategy. This is skill. This is the art of the perfect, most dramatic, most effective pounce-when-the-time-is-right defense. He lunges. I roll, twist—oh no. Somehow, in all the tumbling, I end up on my back, paws flailing, with Mr. Green standing victorious over me. But here’s the thing—if I look extra cute while getting pinned, isn’t that a victory too?

 "Oh, hello there. Mr. Blue speaking. This frosty? Mine. The nose? I’ll chew it if I please. The body? I’ll drag it across the room, no questions asked. Sometimes, I may even grace it with the honor of being my pillow. But most importantly—look at it. It's my colour, sure, a shade on the pale side, but it’s still my essence. A perfect match for a perfect dog. So don’t even think about touching it. You have been warned.

 Oh hey, you! It’s me, Miss Pink, and I’m here to tell you about the greatest love story of all time—me and.... socks.  Listen, I don’t know what kind of magic humans weave into those fluffy little foot wraps, but WOW. The texture is just divine, and the smell is a complex bouquet of adventure and mystery. The taste? An exquisite blend of forbidden delight.  My humans don’t seem to understand our love. They’re always yanking their footy-socks away from me, saying things like, “Miss Pink, NO,” or “That’s not a chew toy!”, But do I give up? Never. True love is relentless." 

 We run! We pounce! We chase! We bite! Everything is a game, and we are the fastest, bravest, bounciest puppies ever. But then… ohhh, we are so sleepy. Our legs get wobbly, our eyes get blinky, and suddenly—boom! Nap time. We curl up together, all warm and snuggly, dreaming of more zoomies. Play hard, nap harder—that’s the puppy way! 

 Left out? Pfft, as if! I wasn’t left out—I was just the first to fall asleep. One minute I was playing, the next—poof! Dreamland. Apparently, there were 'napping arrangements'? No one told me. But it’s fine. I’ve got my rubber duck, I’m cozy, and honestly? I think I made the best choice. Let them figure out their sleeping spots—I’m already dreaming. And everyone knows, dreamers grow big and strong. 

Miss Purple is spending another night at the emergency vet. The cuddle pile isn’t the same without her, and I, Miss Yellow, have heard the humans saying something about an infection. I don’t know what that is, but it sounds serious. And uncomfortable. But let me remind you—she is ours. Our sister in fluff, our snack thief, our chaos partner! And she will get better. Whether it takes extra snuggles, or standing guard, we’ll do what it takes. Miss Purple, you are loved. And if anyone dares judge you… they’ll answer to me!

....Wait..... Where did the Council go?

 I HAVE RETURNED—AGAIN! Yeah, yeah, I know—big dramatic entrance, but I deserve it. My little overnight adventure? It was great, though I wouldn’t recommend it for you, unless it’s an absolute emergency. The room service was stellar, but I'd have to say the staff was a little too interested in my bodily functions, and don’t even get me started on the poking and prodding. Rude.

But hey, I got some fancy drinks, I’ve got some exclusive VIP food, and they keep watching me like I’m gonna explode or something. I won’t. I’m totally fine. I swear. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m just gonna take up the position—laid back, perfectly adorable. Carry on, minions.

Whew… what a day. So many new people. So many hands for pets. So many voices saying my name—wait, no, my name! No, no, they were totally talking about me! Or… maybe you? Or… maybe all of us? Hmm. Whatever. We’ll figure that out later. Right now? Too. Tired.

Flopped. Sprawled. One big puppy pile. Dreaming of all the belly rubs, the cuddles, the “who’s a good puppy?” (spoiler: it was us). It was so much fun. Can we do it again? After, you know… a very, very long nap.

"Ohhh, what a weeekend, it was sooo much fuuuun!" Wait—no, that was off-key. Let me try again. Ahem. "I met all the children, they gave me some pats, I wiggled and wobbled and maybe fell flat!" Okay, so maybe my vocal skills aren’t technically great, but that’s just part of my charm. I am Miss Purple—pop sensation, belly rub connoisseur, and certified good girl. My fans loved me, and honestly, I think I nailed my performance—if you count tail wags and face kisses as choreography. Maybe next time, I’ll demand a proper stage and better backup dancers. Sharing the spotlight with siblings? Ugh.

 Shhh… don’t tell anyone, but I’m very busy right now—hiding under this chair. Why, you ask? Because I know what’s coming. The evil doom juice (a.k.a. yucky medicine) is lurking, and I am not interested, thank you very much! If I stay very still, maybe they won’t see me… Maybe they’ll just forget… Oh no, they’re calling my name—must. stay. hidden. Wish me luck!  

Oh hey, it’s us—the puppies. You know, the adorable chaos machines. Listen, we don’t care how many bowls you put out. Ten? Twenty? A personalized buffet? Doesn’t matter. We only want the bowl that another pup is eating from. It tastes better. It smells better. It’s obviously superior in ways you wouldn’t understand. And look, we could eat neatly, but where’s the fun in that? Kibble belongs on the floor. Water is best when sloshed everywhere. And that perfect little blob of wet food? It was made to be flung. We’re just doing our part to keep things interesting. You’re welcome.

  Hi! It’s us, Miss Brown and Miss Purple, here to set the record straight—blankets are great and all, but nothing beats a good teddy cuddle. We each have our favorites, perfectly broken in with just the right amount of fluff. Miss Brown likes to snooze with hers tucked under a paw, while Miss Purple prefers to dramatically drape herself over hers like the queen she is. If you need us, we’ll be busy perfecting the art of teddy snuggles. 

It’s time.... Time to rest. Time to recharge. Time to give our poor, overworked tails a well-earned break. So, we settle in. A dramatic sprawl here, a perfectly curled-up loaf there. The humans pause, taking in the scene before them. The symmetry. The grace. The sheer, effortless beauty of it all. And then, the masterpiece is complete. The humans sigh. They admire our form, our poise, our undeniable elegance. One of them whispers, Jack, draw me like one of your French girls. Yes. We are art. And no, we’re not moving anytime soon.

 Hi, I’m Miss Purple — professional floof, part-time snack inspector, and full-time Zoomie Queen. You might think zoomies are just random sprints of chaos… but you’d be wrong. This is elite-level cardio, darling. I don’t run, I express. This is a carefully choreographed blur of fur and fabulousness.   Why do I do it? Who knows. Maybe the moon’s full. Maybe a ghost stepped on a crunchy leaf. Or maybe my tail looked at me funny. One thing’s for sure: once the turbo kicks in, you better clear the runway and hold onto your snacks. Zoomies: not just a mood, a lifestyle.   

 Hey, I’m Mr. Blue — crate connoisseur and part-time nap enthusiast. Crate training? Pfft, easy. Honestly, it’s way more fun in here than out there with all those wild siblings climbing chairs like mountain goats. My crate’s got toys, snacks, and zero chaos. It’s basically my bachelor pad. I go in, flop down, chew a bit, nap a lot. 10/10 would recommend. 

   Hiya, I’m Miss Brown — resident explorer and part-time water bowl lifeguard. So get this: the big geologist human put a rock in my water bowl. A rock! Like I wouldn’t notice! I sniffed it, gave it the ol’ side-eye, and let out a dramatic huff. What do they think I am, a field assistant? If I wanted mineral samples in my hydration station, I’d ask for them. Also, I solemnly swear I will not upset the larger water dishes again... probably. Maybe. Okay, no promises if the zoomies hit. 

 Hey. It’s me—Mr. Blue. The handsome one with the strong opinions and excellent taste in real estate. Let’s talk about my spot. You know the one—under the deck table, surrounded by chairs like a majestic wooden fortress? Yeah. This is mine now. Claimed it. Licked it. Laid down dramatically in it. Officially the coziest, coolest, most elite spot on the entire deck. This is next-level. This is premium lounging real estate. Not to mention, its' strategic location for sneak-attacking passing siblings.  Make no mistake: this is the Throne of Blue. If you need me, I’ll be under here, ruling my domain and looking fabulous while doing it.

Oh hey there, I’m Miss Pink — fluff enthusiast, cuddle queen, and undisputed champion of the Nap Time Teddy Hoard. You see, when it’s time to snooze, I strategize. While the others are stretching or circling for the perfect nap spot, I’m already six steps ahead — dragging every stuffed animal within a 5-foot radius into my personal snuggle zone. Bears, bunnies, that weird duck with one eye? MINE. All mine. Some call it “hoarding.” I call it “strategic plush resource allocation.” If a sibling tries to reclaim a teddy mid-nap, I give them The Look™ — part mafia boss, part marshmallow. So yeah, if you ever wonder where all the teddies went, just follow the trail of fluff... straight to me, Miss Pink. Living the dream, one stuffed hostage at a time.

 Ahem—Mr. Blue here. You may think you're looking at just a pile of toys in the corner, but look closer… closer… ah-ha! It is I, expertly camouflaged among the squeakers and chewies. A master of disguise. The big human has brought out the mop—again—which means it's time for evasive maneuvers. My paws are far too princely for soggy floors. So here I shall stay, nestled among my plush brethren, until the danger has passed and the land is dry. Long live the toy pile! 

Hey there, Lily here. I just wanted to catch a few blissful sun rays on the deck—soak up that brisk spring air, maybe feel fabulous in my fancy new sweater. You know, a little “me” time. But nooo—my pups had other plans. Apparently, the deck is now the official site of the Canine Carnival 5000. One minute I’m peacefully basking in the sunshine, and the next I’m dodging a full-on flurry of fur, paws, and unsolicited puppy kisses. Rest? What’s that? It’s like being front row at an all-you-can-cuddle buffet when all I wanted was five minutes of quiet. If only there were a “Do Not Disturb Mom” sign. Seriously—can a mom catch a break? Big Human, get me outta here, STAT.

 Today was ruff. I strutted onto the deck, brimming with confidence and ready to reclaim my crown in the noble game of bitey-face. I kicked things off with my signature Sneaky Side Pounce™ and followed up with a growl-and-duck combo that, frankly, should’ve sealed the win. But then—disaster. In one swift, soul-crushing move, Mom flipped the script and gave me the look—you know, the one that says, “Nice try, kid.” Next thing I know, my whole head is in her muzzle, and I’m just stunned, questioning all my life choices. So yes, I may have lost today... but mark my words, I’ll be back. Until then, I’ll be graciously accepting sympathy snacks and quietly reevaluating my tactics. Humbly outplayed, Miss Pink. 

 Hi, I’m Mr. Green, and I just had what can only be described as a legendary breakfast. Kibble, kibble, and more kibble, with a suspiciously generous helping of—yep—more kibble. I didn’t hold back. I may have blacked out somewhere around the second bowl. I regret nothing… except maybe the third helping. I’m currently horizontal, in a gentle food coma, letting the belly situation settle. If you need me, I’ll be right here, digesting and rethinking my life choices. Call me when it’s time for lunch—I’ll rally. Probably.

  Hi! I’m Miss Pink — part-time cuddlebug, full-time optimist. I’ve been staring out this window for hours now.... okay, so maybe only like five minutes. But still, when will this rain just go away? I’ve got zoomies to unleash, puddles to splash in, and very important mud-related business to attend to. Come on, sky... pull yourself together. I’ve got places to be and sticks to chase! 

Hi again! It’s Miss Purple—Certified Good Girl! Guess what? Me and all my siblings just crushed our temperament test. Like, flying colours level of crushing it. Sure, we were all pretty chill... well, calm-ish anyway… there may have been a little joyful chaos, but the big deal? We found the wing. And then—we fetched it. Like real pros. An actual wing, hidden out of sight, searched and fetched. No one panicked, no one tried to eat it (okay, maybe one nibble). We charmed the strange human, played it cool, and showed off our natural talent like little feathery-seeking missiles. Honestly, we might be geniuses. Or bird dogs. Or both. Either way—nailed it.

 Puppies. PUPPIES!!! Did you SEE THAT?! I went whoosh—SPLASH—glide glide glide like a furry otter queen!! That, my darlings, is called swimming, and it is AMAZING. The Bright Blue Wonder—aka the pond—is your new best friend. I showed you how it’s done: paws paddling, tail steering, ears flapping gloriously in the breeze! Ya'll stood there with your adorable wide eyes like, “Mom, is this safe??” Yes, it’s safe. It’s glorious. It’s wet, it’s wiggly, and it makes your soul do zoomies. Come on, fluffballs! The water’s fine! Let’s make a splash they’ll hear across the whole forest!! 

  Hi, I’m Miss Purple — recently jabbed, chipped, and feeling very important. Post-vet, the squad and I launched a full-scale sneak attack on Mom (because obviously she missed us). It was all going great until… I went full tumbleweed. One second I was fearsome, the next I was upside down, legs flailing like a baby giraffe on roller skates. Not my proudest moment. But hey, the humans said it was "adorable" and gave me extra cuddles, so who's really winning here? 

   Hi there, it’s us — the puppies! Today’s main event was an epic 4-way tug-of-war showdown featuring… the big human’s sandal. That’s right, one sandal, four determined fluffballs, and zero regard for footwear durability. We pulled, we growled (ferociously cute, of course), and we each claimed victory by leaving our tiny, perfect teeth marks all over that poor sandal. Honestly, everyone wins when the shoe ends up looking like it went through a blender of baby sharks. You're welcome, human. Consider it "customized." 

Well, I did it—I left the Briarpatch, the first to fly the coop, so to speak. The drive was so long. I fell asleep at least six times, dreamed of the milk bar lines and squeaky toys, and woke up to realize I was still in the car. But I made it. I’m in my new home now.

I’ve got new humans (they seem nice—very trainable), and a fur-family that keeps sniffing me like I’m some kind of legend. They think they’re going to show me how things work around here, but let’s be honest... I’ll be the one teaching them how it’s really done. I already have a favorite stuffy, and a plan for total household domination by Tuesday. Oh—and I go by Minnie now. Fancy, right? It suits me. 

 So there I was, minding my own business, having a lovely little salad—fresh deck leaves, lightly marinated in rainwater—when the big human spots me. Uh oh. Busted. He gets that voice and says, “Miss Brown, spit it out!” Spit it out?? Excuse me?? Do I look like someone who gives up a perfectly good snack that easily? I froze. Leaf halfway in. Mouth definitely not empty. Brain doing complex calculations like: Is this worth it? Can I swallow before he gets here? What is “spit it out,” really, in the grand philosophical sense? Still deciding. Leaf's a little soggy now but… kinda adds flavor.

 Hey there, it’s me — formerly Mr. Blue, now going by Gauge. Just wanted to report that my trip to my new home went exceptionally well. I’ve got my very own fresh, squeakier, duck — way less suspicious than the ones back at HQ. Life here is pretty sweet: I’ve got my own food bowl (no more speed-eating to beat the siblings), my own toy collection (still figuring out how many squeaks per minute I can manage), and my own humans, who seem pretty wrapped around my paw already. Don’t get me wrong — I’ll miss the old crew, especially our synchronized chaos and late-night sock raids. But I’m excited to blend into this new family like a ninja in a sea of belly rubs.

 So there I was… stalking silently across the deck, eyes locked on the target. MOM. She had the flappiest ears,. I had the POWER. My tail (okay, okay, my floofy butt) swished with menace. I let out a ferocious RAAAWRRRGH. She turned. I sprinted. My feet slipped. I almost went airborne. But did I stop? NO. Because I. Am. A. T-REX. A very fast, very wiggly, very determined T-Rex with excellent ears and questionable coordination. Jurassic Park? More like Jurassic Bark. Watch your ankles, hoomans.

 Hi hi hiiii! I’m Miss Pink, queen of Toy Mountain! Or... I was. See, I’ve made a bold and selfless decision for the good of the group (and definitely not because I’m obsessed): I’m giving up my claim to Toy Mountain—as long as I get to keep all the balls. Big ones, little ones, the ones that bonk me on the head when I try to carry them—don’t care. A ball is a ball, and they are all mine. Yes, even the one that’s larger than my entire face. Especially that one. Sharing is caring... unless we’re talking about balls. Then it’s survival of the fittest. 

 Well, well, well... it’s Mr. Green’s last day at the Briarpatch and honestly, I, Miss Purple, am trying to be supportive, but WHEN are these new people coming to get him?? He’s been grinning so much it’s starting to freak me out — like, bro, your face is gonna stay like that. I hope his new family is amazing, fun, and has lots of snacks... because I’m gonna need updates. Until then, I’ll be here, holding down the deck, stealing toys, and pretending I’m not gonna miss him. (But I totally am. Maybe. A little.) 

 Well folks, it’s down to just myself (Miss Yellow), Miss Brown, and Miss Purple here at the Briarpatch—three fabulous lady pups, livin’ large and soaking up the VIP treatment. The big humans? Oh, they’re obsessed with us. Constant cuddles, baby voices, photo ops... yes, we are precious treasures, thank you for noticing. BUT—can a girl get some privacy around here?! It’s nap time, not paparazzi hour! Kindly step away from the squeaky toys and let us queens catch our beauty sleep. We’ve got chaos to cause later.

Before we hit the road for the Great Migration to Ontario, it's time to stretch these furry little legs! Three dogs, full of beans and questionable decisions, are headed west today. One thinks we’re going to a snack convention, one’s just excited for new squirrels, and the third suspects a vet is involved. Spoiler: it’s just Ontario. Wish us luck—and maybe send air fresheners. It's gonna be a long drive. 

  Excuse me—what do you mean I’m not staying with my mom and sister?! I did not sign off on this arrangement. I’m Miss Purple, royal puppy of the realm, and I demand a recount. Also, someone explain why everyone’s suddenly calling me Miss Ola like it’s totally normal?! Apparently, it’s after some famous artist named Ola Volo, which is fine, I guess—if you're into "talent" and "beauty" and “being uniquely fabulous,” which... okay, that does sound like me. Still. I reserve the right to pout dramatically and scream in the crate for at least 37 minutes.

  Another day of driving west, deeper into the wilds of Ontario—trees, rocks, and rest stops as far as the eye can see! It’s me, Opal, your road-weary narrator and official spokesperson for the Briarpatch Flat-coated Retrievers 2025 Litter. 

I just wanted to say a heartfelt thank you for following along with our big adventure. This is where the updates wind down—for now—but if you miss us (and how could you not?), keep an eye out for the occasional appearance in the FCRSC’s monthly Flat-Chat e-newsletter.

Ben, Lily, and I will be back in the field soon, sniffing out shiny rocks and generally being majestic. And as soon as I can, I’ll be strutting my stuff in the show ring like the sparkly little superstar I was born to be.

All my siblings have found wonderful homes, full of love, snacks, and likely some very soft furniture. Thank you again for being part of our journey—it’s been a tail-waggin’ good time.