This was the very Best Christmas ever! Why? I have two new babies. Thanks to Chappy. I've been reading the blog of Chappy's Mom for a few years now. I remember it was at least before the 2005 Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival. Deb's blog is full of exciting knitting and spinning projects but it is also the home of Chappy's adventures. Chappy is a Boykin Spaniel.

They are quite rare up here on the East Coast but are more common in the South especially S.C where they are the State Dog. I fell in love with Chappy and have been looking for a Boykin for over a year now. Last summer I filled out applications at a few breeders in NC and SC and have been on their waiting list. But my name still hasn't come up. Last Thursday, I googled Boykin Spaniel Breeders PA because I knew Chappy came from PA. I found Randy Good in Kittatinning, PA. And guess what? On Randy's web site there he was! There was Chappy!

Randy had two litters; one of which was ready to go to homes. I e-mailed him and then called him. Randy had two girls which is what I wanted. My son, Ryan, and I jumped in the car and drove 7 hours.

Once there, Randy brought out two little girls. I said I'd take the first one he handed me...then I said no I want this one. But wait, I think I'll take the first one. It was way too confusing. Randy said, "Why not take both!" For a min. I thought" Oh I can't do that." Then Ryan said, "They'll keep each other company and Amanda will have one too. (Amanda is his girlfriend and they live with me.) I didn't have to think about it any more. I took them both. Randy also told me he has sold more than a few pups because of Chappy.

And that is how Sarah and Sophie came into my life via Chappy.

When we arrived home at 1:30AM Amanda was waiting to greet us. Even though we had spoken to Amanda a few times on the way home, we had not told her I bought 2 puppies. Ryan opened up the cage door for Sarah to bolt out. We waited and as Sophie's nose peeked out, Amanda began to squeal delightfully.

Of course we couldn't sleep, so we stayed up playing. And as soon as the stores opened we took them to buy bedding, toys, chews. food etc.

I've taken over 300 photos of them since Sat. but here are just a few.
They nap, wake up and are taken outside, Then they come in to eat and play then go outside and then nap again. I'm amazed they don't cry at night as all my other puppies have done. I guess that's because they have each other.

My daughter, Amy was home for Christmas with her two dogs. So between her two and my three, there are 5 dogs in this house. My hardwood floors may never be the same. But what fun was had by all.

I just realized I didn't take one photo of us on Christmas....only the babies.

May I introduce you to Sarah Jessica on the right in both photos. She's the smaller of the two (weighing in at 5 lbs)as well as the rebel rouser.

And this is Sophia Leigh on the left side. She is 7 lbs and calmer than Sarah (sometimes.)

They've had lots of fun unwrapping all the gifts, even the ones for everybody else. (Tomorrow I have a dozen gifts to rewrap.) They've also taken the ornaments off my tree but I figure they one step ahead of me so I'll have less to take down in another week. And they love my yarn. Now messing with my yarn could get them in trouble. So I packed it all up. No more leaving baskets of yarn around the house for me.

I feel so lucky to be a new Mom. Chappy, my Dear, you are the greatest. Thank you.

Comments

[--Deb]

Oh, oh, they are just adorable . . . they look just like Chappy did when he was that age. So. Cute!!

Chappy wants to know when he gets to meet them! (grin)

[Joan]

Hi, this is Chappy's grandma and I have to tell you you're puppies are gorgeous. I remember when Chappy was that size.. ohhhh how cute they are. Hope Chappy gets to meet them.

[JessaLu]

Hi - Deb sent me over :o) They are the cutest!!

[Nancy J]

Deb sent me over, too (via her blog) and I live only 17 miles from Kittanning, PA! The Girls are gorgeous!