It’s Throwback Thursday and I’m feeling a bit nostalgic today. Want to hear the story about how Atka came to be a part of our family?
I thought so 🙂
A few months after our first dog, Kaeto, passed away, Nick and I started to consider adding a second dog to our family. Our hearts were ready to add another family member and Mauja was becoming noticeably lonely. We both started looking through PetFinder and a few of the rescues I follow for pups that would be a good fit. When we started our search, we weren’t looking for another Great Pyrenees. We were looking for a Great Dane.
After a lengthy screening process, we were approved to adopt from a giant breed rescue. Months of waiting lists later, we found a Great Dane that we thought would be perfect for our family. Unfortunately, he was not keen on Mauja and everyone agreed that he would do better with a dog of a similar energy level and personality. Our search started again.
Shortly after I found a post for a deaf Great Pyrenees in Salt Lake City. Something about his picture captured our hearts and we knew we had to meet him. It was 8 hours away, but we were more than willing to make the drive. I contacted the rescue only to find that he had another interested adopter that was coming to meet him that weekend. If it didn’t work out, we were next in line. This sweet pyr stole the first family’s heart and they took him home immediately. I’m so happy he found a loving home.
At this point, we were starting to get a bit discouraged. We put in an application for another large pyr rescue that had several dogs we were interested in learning more about. I’m not sure if our application got lost, but we never heard back and I had a very difficult time contacting them.
Nick and I were about to put our search on hold until we found out that Mauja’s breeder was planning a litter in the next few months. We hadn’t planned on going the puppy route this time, but we decided to consider the option.
After many, MANY conversations we decided that we really did want another puppy. I love the responsibility and work that a puppy requires and was ready to take on the challenge. We placed our deposit and eagerly awaited the puppies’ arrival.
The momma birthed 11 beautiful, healthy puppies, 7 of which were male. By placing our deposit early, we were able to have first pick of the male puppies. When the puppies were 5 weeks old and their personalities really started to develop, we were able to make our selection. After hours of talking with the breeder, playing with the puppies, and watching them interact, we had made our decision.
Tune in next Thursday when I will talk about Atka’s first night with us and meeting his new sister, Mauja <3
I had to chuckle when I read that you actually love the challenge of puppy raising and all that it requires. I don’t think I have EVER said that. 😉
I love Atka’s background story and can’t wait to hear more! He was so stinking cute as a puppy!!! Quite large at 5 weeks, but I guess since they are a giant breed, that’s normal.
Now…excuse me while I stare at these puppy pictures of Atka…eeeeeeeee – so very adorable!
Ha! It’s not a task that many enjoy, but I thrive off of it. When we can foster, I’m hoping to get mostly puppies so I can help get them off on the right start for their adoptive family. It’s a challenge for sure and it keeps me on my toes!
We were actually shocked at how small the litter was. He was only about 5 pounds at this time and they’re usually closer to 10 pounds. His litter was a bit larger which is why all the puppies were on the small side.
AWWWW!!!! OMD! Those pups are SO cute!!! Thank you for sharing Atka’s story with us!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
Stinking adorable, right?!
Aw I love this series! Some day I hope to be able to handle the challenge that a puppy presents. I wish I had been able to see mini Luna, but I am SO happy she is with us now 🙂
They all seem to find the perfect way into our family 🙂
I got all of my current dogs as adults. There are times when I think I might like to do puppy again. But then again…
Haha, it’s definitely not a task for everyone!
We originally had planned on adopting as well. We had somewhat of the same experience, dogs we liked would find a great family quickly. We were looking into bully breeds, and most of the available dogs close to us were unfortunately not good with cats.
I tried contacting rescues from a province over, and even some in the states. At the time we were not able to make the drive / flight, and with having Kisa at home it made it hard to picture how the potential new family member would have gotten along with her.
Atka looks so tiny in the photos compared to now! I bet he was so soft. I miss puppy breath =)
Awe!!! He was so little!! <3
Such a cute puppy too! Your search for a rescued pet reminds me of mine for my rats. Of course, I decided to use Craigslist as a means for finding mine. And it only made matters more difficult that because this was Craigslist, my boyfriend didn’t want me to go alone… but then he never wanted to go with me on the weekends lol. Can’t wait to hear the rest of your story!
Such a cutie! We all have a story, regardless of the path, we end up right where we are supposed to!
Beautiful puppies. Thanks for sharing his story.
I love hearing the stories of how dogs come into our lives. It seems like things always seem to work out the way they’re supposed to. The puppy photos were definitely a bonus too! 🙂