Maremma Pup, Poppy, Goes to New Home

Posted 24 March, 2008 in Maremmas |

Maremma Pup, Poppy, Goes to New Home this past March 13th. Late night on the 12th we had our alpacas and Poppy in the truck on our way to the IAO show in San Diego. There we would make the transfer of Poppy to her new owners of Alpaca Knolls Ranch.

The ride was long at 8 hours plus. However, I held Poppy on my lap for the first couple of hours. She was very good not whining or moving around very much. I eventually had to place her in the kennel in the back seat as I could tell she wasn’t very comfortable on my lap. She didn’t want to go, but once inside she laid down and stayed quiet. We stopped occassionally to let her drink water, eat breakfast, and go the bathroom. For the last couple of hours I held Poppy on my lap again. She was absolutely wonderful.

When we got to the show Poppy was allowed out to walk around while I supervised her. She was now 10 wks old and looking fluffier than usual as I washed her the day before. The new owner appeared and we could tell that Poppy was nervous. Eventually we asked the new owner if he wanted to hold her and he said yes. To our horror she peed down his leg and then starting yelping as if he were hurting her. Thank goodness the new owner understood her nervousness. After a little bit we placed her in his car. Poppy then went on to poop in his car seat. Oh my goodness! I hadn’t realized just how attached she had gotten to Tommy and me. It was almost heart breaking, but we knew she would love where she was going.

Alpaca Knolls ranch bought another female maremma from another ranch to be delivered the same day Poppy arrived. This made me feel good as she would have company for her first day at her new home.

The next day I saw the owner’s wife, Lorraine, in which she stated that when she went out that morning Poppy was waiting with her tail wagging and quickly rolled over onto her back for a quick belly rub. Yes, that is the Poppy I know. She get that from her dam, Bianca, I said. Lorraine also went to tell me that although Poppy was a week younger than the other pup that she was bigger. Lorraine believes Poppy will be the Alpha dog and when she does breed she will breed Poppy only. This was a thrill to hear.

All in all it was sad to say good bye to Poppy, but I trully believe that she deserves to be alpha dog of her own ranch. What Lorraine shared with us just proves that we are breeding the right kind of temperment as well as guardian dogs.

Gino is now 12 wks. old. He is still available as a prospect pulled out at the last minute. Gino is absolutely gorgeous and ready to protect your herd. Call us today.

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