MinPinMoments

My, what sharp teeth the puppies had! The pups were extremely mouthy, especially Aspen.  She was like a piranha! I know this is typical puppy behavior, but the tops off my hands were soon covered with bite marks. “What happened to your hands?” a student in my class asked.  At a vet appointment, the tech inquired if we had a cat after glancing at my hands. I became extremely self-conscious of how bad my hands looked. Our first Min Pin, Twinkie, was not mouthy at all, so this behavior took me by surprise.

I began to wonder if this mouthy issue was normal.  What do inquiring minds do when they are searching for answers?  Why, they turn to the Internet, of course.  The pups had been in our possession for about a week and a half when I received an unexpected gift, school was cancelled due to a snow day. I was ready to do some research and hopefully find answers to our pressing issue. I spent several hours on my computer hoping to find advice for the mouthy behavior.  I explained our situation so many times that afternoon that I lost count. My scenario described how Bob and I had just acquired three female Min Pin littermates and were seeking advice on how to best handle mouthy puppies. I emailed breeders and trainers, and posted on various dog forums, oblivious to the fact that my picture perfect vision of our little family was about to be shredded into a million pieces.

Responses began arriving so quickly that it was almost as if these faceless, anonymous individuals had been on standby just waiting to rain on my parade. Each email seemed worse than the last. A strict and regimented environment was recommended that focused on keeping the dogs separated at all times and how gates and barriers would be required to prevent the dogs from killing one another.

As I began reading the emails my hopeful state of mind instantly changed to complete and utter shock. With the exception of a few, the emails were full of doom and gloom.  The mouthy issue was pushed aside by most responders and attention was directed at the fact that we had made a crucial mistake with the purchase of littermates, particularly female littermates.  I was berated for being so clueless and outrage was expressed toward the breeder who sold us the puppies.  Comments included, “He could not be reputable if he was willing to  allow you to purchase more than one puppy”, and “Professional breeders would never sell a litter of puppies to one family.”  Negative feedback kept coming, email after email, painting a bleak picture of how our lives would be should we keep all three puppies.

According to the emails, mouthy behavior was just the tip of the iceberg.  Serious fighting among the dogs was not only probable, but a reality we would have to accept if the litter remained together. Horrific stories of dog violence were told that gave me a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.  Littermates, especially females, do not do well together as adult dogs was a common theme among those who wanted to chime in with their two cents. Although none of the responses were positive, a few attempted to let me down more easily.  Others appeared to take joy in their delivery of such upsetting news.

I was basically told to get my head out of the clouds if I envisioned peaceful neighborhood strolls with my dogs and frolicking dogs playing together in the backyard.  “Sure, you can keep all three pups if you don’t mind living like you are in a military”, stated one email.  I did not want to believe any of this negativity, but some of the responders were not so anonymous.  One of my emails had been sent to a well-known dog trainer who was the author of a puppy training book I was currently reading.  After exchanging several emails, her bottom line was that our situation was not likely to turn out well if we were to keep the litter together.

In a few short hours my entire vision of our lives with the puppies had been dramatically changed.  Excitement over finally bringing the puppies home was cast aside as worry and apprehension set in about what the future may hold.  Devastated, I felt like we were experiencing a cruel twist of fate.  Important decisions had to be made, but I couldn’t even think of parting with any of our pups.

Our pack of puppies had yet to be named. Bob and I created a list of names weeks earlier and at one point I even joked that we had to take the whole litter because our list was so long. We wanted to give the pups unique names and some of those on our list included Tahoe, Cherokee, Rubicon, and Indy.  The list was narrowed down to three names and now we had to decide which pup would get which name.

Aspen was the name selected for the red Min Pin.  The larger black and tan Min Pin was named Malibu. Quest was the name given to the smallest member of the pack.  There is significance behind each of the chosen names.  Malibu and Aspen are places that we love and located in our two favorite states, California and Colorado.  Searching for a puppy related to Twinkie, we were dedicated and hopeful while on our journey to find that special dog. We were on a quest, hence the given name.

Since naming our dogs, we have learned that there are other Miniature Pinschers named Aspen and Malibu, but we have yet to meet another dog, of any breed, named Quest.

Sweet puppy sounds woke us the next morning as our new additions began stirring in the puppy playpen. We carried the pups downstairs to the living room, the designated playroom. Arriving home well past midnight, the puppies were not given much time to explore their new environment.  Now, in the early morning light, they were eager to wander around and play with their new toys.

Before picking up the puppies in Oklahoma, I wondered if they would show any signs of separation anxiety once removed from their mother.  Watching them frolic and prance around the room, the puppies did not appear to be missing anyone!  A close-knit pack, the pups stayed close together while playing and when exhaustion set in they curled up in a snug little pile.

A few family members were asked to stop by for a visit, but we did not give an explanation for the invitation.  They were certainly not expecting to walk into our home and see a litter of puppies! After recovering from the initial surprise, our relatives took turns holding the pups as we told them about the search for a puppy related to Twinkie and the events that followed.

MomMom and Aunt Sheila

Grandmom

Once everyone had left it was just the two of us and our sweet puppies, a perfect little family.

The moment we had been waiting for had finally arrived – we were about to meet our puppies! With excitement and joy that could  barely be contained, we quickly pulled up and parked next to the truck that held our precious Min Pins.  The breeder and his mother got out of the vehicle and introductions were exchanged.  The breeder opened the truck’s rear door and began handing over the puppies. “They’re ornery”, he declared as he placed the litter, one by one, into our outstretched arms.  Bob and I were overcome with emotion knowing that we were holding pups of Twinkie’s bloodline.

After saying good-bye to the breeder and his mother we brought the pups into the car and stared at them in amazement. They were ours! The puppies seemed to be filled with joy as well. Pouncing on us with pure delight, the pups were eager to shower us with affection.

After about fifteen minutes, we secured the pups into the carrier and headed back to the hotel.  We were staying next to the airport and had a couple of hours before we needed to check-in for our flight home.

In the hotel room, it was puppy playtime and Bob was the main attraction!  We did not want to risk any of the puppies falling off of the bed so we spread a comforter out on the floor.  Bravely lowering himself down into the puppy zone, Bob was immediately “attacked” by three energetic Min Pins.  The pups took great pleasure in climbing all over Bob and getting to know the man who would become Daddy.

It was not long before the tiny trio became sleepy and ready for a nap.

Finally, it was time to get ready for our flight home. Airline regulations stipulate that a carrier may contain only two dogs so we brought two carriers in case the policy was enforced.  Hoping to not have to put one pup alone in a carrier, we were relieved that all three pups were allowed to stay together in the same carrier.

There was a bit of a delay before we were able to board the plane, but the real delay was once we were seated on the plane. Just prior to departure, the pilot announced that a snowstorm in Chicago, our destination, would keep us grounded for an indefinite amount of time.  Although we were on a full size plane, there were only about fifteen  passengers.  Those who fly know what a difference that makes when you are in this type of situation!  Ninety minutes later we were cleared for take-off.  After a brief layover in Chicago, we were back in the air with a plane now filled to capacity.  A huge sigh of relief was exhaled as the plane touched ground in Philadelphia.  The pups had slept since we boarded the plane in Tulsa!

The past couple of days had been a whirlwind. Almost midnight, it was time to take our puppies home.

When I started this blog back in September I planned to post at least once a week.  Well, life with multiple Min Pins is hectic,  hands-on, and basically a full-time job.  I am still filling in the background storyline, but hope to speed things up:)  Of course, that depends on how crazy and chaotic life is with my Min Pins!

It was finally time to fly to Oklahoma and pick up our puppies.  Driving to the airport we were full of anticipation, knowing that we would be meeting the pups the next day.  Since there are no direct flights from Philadelphia to Tulsa, we had to first fly to Dallas.  In Dallas, we would have a brief layover before making a connecting flight to Tulsa.  Arriving at the gate, we learned that our flight to Dallas would not be departing on time.  Worry began to set in immediately because we already had just a small window of time between landing in Dallas and leaving for Tulsa.

Boarding the plane did not give us any sense of relief.  We had lost a lot of time and there was no guarantee that we would make our connecting flight.  When the plane finally landed in Dallas, we sprinted through the airport and arrived at the gate within minutes of boarding time!  Once we were Tulsa bound we finally breathed sighs of relief.

The next morning we were scheduled to drive to the breeder’s house to pick up the puppies.  At the last-minute, the breeder unexpectedly called us to say that she would meet us halfway.  We felt that it was kind of strange, but she was insistent.  We were disappointed because we had hoped to meet the parents of the puppies, but what choice did we have?  Our meeting was arranged to take place at the Cherokee Casino in Catoosa at a specified parking lot location.

We arrived early and waited.  The scheduled time came and went.  We began to wonder if we were parked in the correct location.  Finally, the breeder called and after a brief conversation we realized that we had been waiting in the wrong place.  With our updated directions, we drove around to the other side of the casino and quickly spotted the breeder’s vehicle.  The moment we had been waiting for was here.  Bob and I were about to meet our puppies!

The month of January was a flurry of activity.  Our two puppies would be here soon and much had to be done to prepare for their arrival.  The puppies were to be picked up when they turned eight weeks so I quickly booked our flight, hotel, and rental car.  Shopping for puppy supplies was fun – toys, sweaters, blankets, bowls – two of everything!  A crate, baby gates, and a travel carrier were also ordered.  Puppy training books were purchased and read.  Appointments were made for the puppies’ first visit to the veterinarian.

We communicated with the breeder, via email and telephone, on a regular basis to receive puppy updates.  Included in some of the updates were photos.   The puppies were growing so quickly!  Looking at the photos one evening, I told Bob that we should purchase all three pups.  “What’s one more?” I asked him jokingly, since I was only half serious.  “No, we are not getting three puppies”, Bob replied.

After bringing up the idea of taking the whole litter, I started thinking about it more seriously. Why not take all three puppies? How could we leave one behind? I brought the subject up again while Bob and I were looking at the latest puppy photos.

Bob was against the idea from the beginning, stating that it would be too expensive to have three dogs.  He was right and I knew it.  It did not help matters when the breeder sent this adorable picture of one of the black pups with a caption that spoke volumes.

Am I the one going to New Jersey?

Several more half-hearted attempts were made to see if I could change Bob’s mind, to no avail.  He was not budging and part of me agreed.  I  dropped the idea and focused on the thought of raising just two puppies.  The case was closed, or so I thought.  One evening, out of the blue, Bob announced that we should purchase the third puppy.  I was shocked and convinced that he was pulling my leg.  He insisted that I call the breeder to let her know that we wanted all of the pups.  For several hours we discussed the idea and I finally realized that Bob was being sincere.   He really did want the third pup!

I did not call the breeder until the following day since I wanted to sleep on it and be sure that Bob was not going to change his mind.  The breeder was thrilled that the sisters would be staying together.  So, two puppies became three.

We had found our puppy – with Twinkie’s bloodline!  My first reaction was to contact the breeder immediately, but I knew that Bob and I needed to first have a serious discussion.  Although we had been anxiously waiting for a response from the breeder, we did not expect the initial response to include news that a puppy could be ready for us in six weeks!  Our original plan was to welcome a new puppy in late spring or early summer.  This new information changed everything.

The news appeared almost too good to be true.  Not only did the breeder have three puppies related to Twinkie, but more would be born in February!

The next day we contacted the breeder to learn more about the precious litter.  Our first inquiry regarded the exact relationship between Twinkie and the recently born puppies.  Bob and I were overcome with emotion when we found out that the puppies were Twinkie’s nieces.  The father of the litter, The Big Buzzooka, is Twinkie’s brother!   Setting out on this quest to find a puppy related to Twinkie, never in our wildest dreams did we think we would find a puppy so closely related to our beloved dog.

We knew that we were getting a puppy, but from which litter? Another litter, also fathered by The Big Buzzooka, was due in April.  Our biggest decision was whether to get a puppy in February from the current litter or wait until April to get one that was to be born in February.  We had concerns about waiting for the next litter.  We knew that we wanted a girl of stag red color, like Twinkie.  What if the February litter had no girls?  What if the puppies were all black? A host of other issues crossed our minds as we went back and forth over this dilemma.

After much discussion we decided that the current litter was the one from which we would select our puppy.  Well, make that puppies.  Twinkie had been an only dog.  Bob and I often wondered if she would have been happier had there been another dog in our family.  Two puppies could keep each other company and grow up together.  We called the breeder and told her that we would purchase two puppies. Our pick up date was scheduled for the second week in February when the puppies would turn eight weeks old.  We couldn’t believe that this was really happening!

The breeder sent us adorable pictures of the puppies and we knew immediately that we had made the right choice.  This special litter was meant to be and two of the puppies would be ours in six weeks!

Our quest to find a puppy related to Twinkie was underway. Research had been successfully completed and a letter to the breeder was en route to Oklahoma.
The wait began. “Will today be the day we receive news from the breeder?”
I wondered every time I opened the mailbox, listened to phone messages, and
checked email.

Days, then weeks, passed and soon we were well into the festive month of December.
Although we were still anxious to hear from the breeder, our thoughts were also
preoccupied on an upcoming vacation. Back in the summer, Bob and I had planned a
trip to Ft. Lauderdale for the holidays to avoid being home for our first Christmas
without Twinkie. We were excited about getting away and looking forward to enjoying
some well deserved time at the beach.

While in Florida, I regularly checked my email only to be disappointed and hoped
that there would be news waiting for us at home. Returning from our trip with just
a couple of days left in December, we learned that no news had arrived in our absence.
By this point in time, over a month had passed since we mailed the letter to the
breeder. The puppy search was no longer an all-consuming thought as I went through
mail and messages.

On New Year’s Day I was checking my email and noticed a sender who was not familiar.
The subject line read Miniature Pinscher! Could this finally be the news we had been waiting for? Opening the email, I read the message once and quickly read it a second
time. I could not believe what I was reading! Bob was in another room and heard me shrieking with delight. I yelled for him to come and listen to the amazing news. I excitedly filled him in and read the message to him several times. Rather than tell
you the wonderful news you can read it for yourself:

Hello Lori, Robert Capaccio, This letter needs some introducing. I am S.B., Ms. T’s cousin. She wanted me to get in touch with you. We have her dog Fireball’s boy. Right at the moment, he has three girls and is expecting some in February. We also have some of his relatives. That has a special sweetness! The girls will be 8 wks on February 10th. If you’d like I could email you some pictures of them. I’d be glad to help you find one of Twinkie’s family that you’d like. We had Fireball’s daughter, Rosie. We lost her to old age. She was the first min-pin we ever had. So this is the reason we have min-pins. They are extra special to us.

Thank you,

S B

Bob and I were overjoyed that our dream had become a reality. The search was over.
We had found our puppy!

The loss of Twinkie created a huge void in my life. My best friend was no longer
by my side. Tears came easily and frequently during those first few weeks. Although
I felt numb with an unspeakable grief, I went to work every day pretending as if
everything was ok. As an elementary school teacher my days were busy and filled with
classroom activities. I think it was more difficult to be home because there was a
painful emptiness throughout our house and reminders of Twinkie everywhere. Time
passed as days turned into weeks and weeks into months. Winter ended and spring began.

Several months after Twinkie’s passing, my husband, Bob, tentatively brought up the
subject of getting another dog someday. I immediately vetoed the idea, stating that
I could not go through the loss of another dog. Allowing another dog into our home
and hearts also felt like a betrayal to Twinkie. Every once in a while, Bob would
bring up the subject again, but I always had the same response, “No”.

As more time passed I began to feel as if I was being unfair to Bob. If he felt that
a dog completed our family and brought joy into our lives who was I to deny him? In
October of that year, we were on a weekend getaway when I told Bob that I had changed
my mind about getting a dog and that I had an amazing idea. Whenever Bob spoke of
getting another dog he would say that he wanted a dog just like Twinkie. What if we
could actually find such a dog? What if we were able to get a dog related to Twinkie?
The rest of the weekend was consumed with thoughts of a getting a puppy related to Twinkie.

Earlier apprehension of getting another dog changed to excitement at the possibility
of having a dog with Twinkie’s bloodline. We were not in an immediate rush to begin
our search since we figured that the following summer would be the best time to welcome
a puppy into our home. In late November, I began researching Twinkie’s background.
Twinkie had been purchased at a pet shop (prior to our learning about puppy mills), but
the name of the broker and breeder appeared on a certificate that accompanied the sales
receipt. Over fourteen years had passed since Bob had purchased Twinkie and I did not
know if the broker or breeder were still in business. Hoping to have a puppy the following
summer, I needed to try to track down the breeder. If I was unable to locate the breeder we
would not be able to have a dog related to Twinkie. On the certificate, along with the
breeder’s name, was her city and state. Googling the breeder’s name I found an address
that included the street name. But was it accurate?

The last week of November I mailed the breeder the following letter:

November 23, 2007

Sincerely,
Lori & Robert Capaccio

Our letter was mailed with high hopes that we would soon receive news from the dog breeder in Oklahoma. Thoughts of having a Min Pin related to Twinkie filled us with anticipation, but we tried to remain realistic. After all, Twinkie had been bred about fifteen years earlier. Many questions circulated through our minds. Was the breeder still in business? Did she still breed Miniature Pinschers? If so, most importantly, were any of her Min Pins related to our precious Twinkie?