embrace this life

Poem was astounded at how fast her five little puppies outgrew her belly. The last few weeks the children were closing in on weaning day, something the new mom was both dreading and looking forward to. By now their teeth were very much developed and nursing was becoming more painful with each day. The pups were given solid foods and were all eating on their own by now. Each one was unique and special, their personalities all swiftly developed and Poem adored each one. Everyday was a new adventure, and as they got older their spirit of exploration only grew. They were mostly well behaved pups, and even if she was nervous the day was coming they would see the outside world.

Part of her wanted to keep them small and inside the den forever, the nervous new mom knew the infinite amount of ways a puppy could hurt themselves. Still, their sense of adventure, curiosity, and exploration would not and would not be quelled. So when the sun broke through the clouds on that late winter day Poem decided that the time had come to introduce the puppies to the wider world.

Her little family was waking up slow, the sun would surely bring them to wakefulness soon. Poem nuzzled into Sparhawk’s cheek and enjoyed a moment of quiet with him and their five babies sprawled throughout the den. With a yawn Poem stretched and shifted, surely she would begin to wake them. She learned quickly that you didn’t disturb a sleeping baby, but she was just as excited as they were to introduce them to the outside and sunshine.