Foxglove
This does not happen by accident, but is the work of a good breeder, who has put many hours into them. I study them while, in the background, I hear the crack of water against concrete, and vigorous sweeping.
A pleasant tang of disinfectant hangs in the air: not too much for that would be distressing for such fine noses. Human standards and canine preferences can be very different.
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Hide AdSitting comfortably on a tree stump, I am swamped in small plump velvet-furred beasties, with tiny wet noses and eagerly-wagging tails. Teeth are needle-sharp, pulling at my clothing, which is the kind where damage does not matter, for I have spent time with litters of puppies before, and dressed appropriately. I bought this coat second-hand seventeen years ago, and it is a little worn now.
The pups would like to lick my face, an unhygienic procedure, probably for both parties, but one which I am happy to indulge. They would like to climb onto my lap, but not to rest, for, like ferrets, they seem to want to go as high as possible.
As a puppy on the shoulders is not as safe as a puppy should be, I ease the latest one off and lower her gently back onto the ground. She rolls on her back, grinning, exposing a shell-pink belly.
For full feature see West Sussex Gazette December 31