The Night in Hinterhaus

Music to click and read by.

In the night, tiny bodies push into soft, momma-fur. Soft sounds waft into the small, warm room. Seven little tails and the same in tummies and warm noses—twenty-eight tender paws have emerged from the deep and all is well in their simple, easy world. Hinterhaus, the writing shed out back is, for a second time, a house of little miracles.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me…Psalms 23:6

Matilda was round like a whiskey barrel and low, nearly touching the ground.

She had narry a care in the world, behaving even more pleasantly joyful as her day approached, if that is possible. I was pensive, “When will they ever arrive?” I wanted them in time, time to be tucked into someone’s forever Christmas memories…that year a Wheaten came to stay when the lights twinkled round the tree and children are alive in their wonder and anticipation. Some people like to say a dog is not a Christmas gift, but I can’t think of a better gift than a friendship like theirs that will last for a childhood and beyond.

I hadn’t planned for a Christmas litter. This was all an accident. A faithful gate had failed me, a routine upset when this silly pair found a way.

Now seven wee clowns come to amaze and delight those who think a dog should be dear and near to a family, or just a friend.

Will they console hurting hearts so well like they’ve done for me? Will their joy dispel days of gloom and their energy inspire walks and talks and runs in the wind? Will their clownish ways provoke belly laughs and help forget the world for awhile? Will they entertain a friend, take them out of their heads and into their hearts? I think so. I do.

Teddy runs like a racehorse towards me tonight, spinning his noteworthy 360s before thudding hard on the grown, all belly up, begging the question for the hundreth time, “Will you rub my tummy just once more?” “Yes, my boy, I will do it again and again and again.”

Going into Hinterhaus, Matilda gives me her usual devotion, so happy to see me… delighted even. She jumps against the gate hurrying me into her room. Maybe I have a treat! But don’t imagine for a moment that in her exuberant love for me, that she’s forgotten even for a second those seven lined up and wiggling in the row under the table….right where she chose to have them. I put the prepared whelping box aside and give way to her beautiful motherhood. She, with her brood, is matronly and wise.

So, it is puppies again. How many more litters I am not yet sure, but for now…..