Kip and I had not planned to bring home a new puppy so soon after the loss of Caribou, but fate seemed to intervene and here we are with a new member of the family. No dog can ever replace Caribou, but God gives us room in our hearts to love again.
Raven was born one week before Caribou died and our vet informed us about the litter, letting us know that Raven’s parents were beautiful, healthy German Shepherds with great temperaments. We had not planned on visiting the pups until they were five weeks old, but on February 14th, the breeder contacted us and told us that if we were interested in a female pup we should come out the next day since only two were still available. February 15th would have been Caribou’s 11th birthday.
It felt like God was giving us a nudge.
We drove out that day and within 30 seconds of seeing her, I felt a tug on my heart-stings for this little runt of a pup with the black and silver markings. Here are photos we took on that fateful day (click to enlarge):
Raven at 3.5 weeks old – snuggling with me…
Raven at 3.5 weeks old – pink belly and so sleepy!
Pig pile – Raven’s siblings
Here are photos we took 2 weeks later:
Raven in Kip’s arms at 5 weeks old
Me and Raven (at 5 weeks old)
Raven’s mom (Kona) with one of Raven’s siblings
Here are Raven’s parents…Kona is mom (light colored) and Bandit is dad (dark colored):
I must admit to some bittersweet feelings today as I drove out to pick up Raven…Caribou was in my thoughts and I thought how much she would have loved this new little pup (Caribou loved puppies and was very gentle with them). But as I picked up Raven and held her, I felt my heart open with love for this tiny girl. I’m looking forward to watching her grow and become the special individual I know she will be. I’ll be posting more Raven photos and updates in the coming weeks! Here are some more photos taken today when we got home:
Outside exploring the yard
Moving all the time – busy, busy…
Me and Raven
And just in case you were wondering how I had time to post this…here is what Raven is doing RIGHT NOW:
Let’s hope she does a little more of this tonight!
= Excellent
= Good/Very Good
= Okay read
= Not recommended
= Ugh! Don't waste your time.
Raven is beautiful, Wendy! Isn’t it amazing how big our hearts grow because of love?
Vasilly: *nods* Kip and I were just talking tonight about how much we already love Raven…
What a lovely puppy! I’ll look forward to your Raven updates over the next little bit.
I am so excited to meet her!!
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. Raven’s precious.
Oh my gosh, could she be any more precious???? Congratulations Wendy! I yelled, awwww! When I saw your post. I’m so happy that you are taking the risk of loving again!
Wendy – WOW! Well as you know, we have grown up with Caribou from the first day you brought her home in Marinwood and she was part of our bigger pack of doggies – Sarah, Kodi, Desi, and your big Kodiak, too. Raven is precious and we can’t wait to get up there and meet her and visit. “Head bites” to Raven AND to Argus from Leah and Kodi(hope Maia and Giz are OK with all the extra activity!)We love you guys….Carol & Gregg; Leah, Kodi & Lance.
Will those ears ever stand up straight? We should have a pool going for when they make it up and stay up. I love that first shot where they look like someone left them in the dryer. Hey little Raven, welcome home.
Batten down the hatches, Argus.
xo
She is smack dab gorgeous! We can smell her sweetness all the way from Texas! Give her (and Argus) a big hug from the Burt family. Many happy blessings to your growing family. You can bet that Caribou is right there with you all.
I am so happy for you I am crying. I look forward to hearing about Raven’s adventures. Enjoy!!
Sari
Congratulations! I just know Caribou is smiling right now!
Lezlie
Raven is such a cute pup. I love the ears!
Awww…How cute is she?? Here feet are huge! Congratulations to you, Kip, and Argus on the addition to your family. I’m sure Caribou would approve.
Wendy, Raven is adorable. I love the pictures. I am sure Caribou is happy that you have found another German Shepherd to love.
Cute, cute, cute! Congratulations, Raven, on finding a wonderful new home.
Raven is a wonderful name and she is absolutely beautiful!! Enjoy this time!!
Oh! How adorable! Congratulations on the new addition to your family, Wendy. Raven is beautiful.
Raven’s so cute. Like others have said, I think Caribou’s happy you have a new puppy to look after.
Oh those ears! So glad she’s home where she belongs now!
Raven is beautiful. I look forward to seeing the pictures as she grows.
There’s nothing in the world as cute as a puppy
. And look at those paws (and her parents) – Raven’s going to be a big girl! Thank you for introducing her, and best wishes to all of you!
OMG Wendy,
I have tears streaming down my face! Celebrating you new baby and old. I bet Caribou will be watching over little Raven.
Raven has got to be one of the cutest german sheperd pups I’ve seen! I am so happy for Kip, Argus, and you! Argus must be very happy but a smidge jealous.
Hugs and kisses to Argus and little Raven.
So precious! She is lucky to be going into a home with so much love. Her ears in that first picture are adorable!
Oh my gosh, she is so adorable! I know you haven’t quite recovered from Caribou’s passing, but I know Raven will bring you joy!
Awwww… Raven looks so cute and cuddly…
I’m SOOOO happy for you. I love the name! It’s a shared name with my twins’ best friend. Anyway, she’s just gorgeous and has some resemblance to Caribou. Her parents are really nice looking. She’ll grow into such a pretty lady. And, those paws!
Just look at how many comments you received. We are all so happy for you!
I’m sure Caribou is smiling in heaven.
She’s SO beautiful! She will surely bring you much joy
I’ve lost many pets over the years, and every time it happens part of me hesitates about getting attached to a new one all over again..but in the end I know it’s always worth it.
My what big paws she’s got!
The cuteness is too much!! I”m sorry to hear of Caribou’s passing, but happy to hear of the new addition.
Congratulations on that darling bundle of fur.
Oh, Wendy…Congratulations!! Raven is just beautiful. Wishing lots of happiness for the whole family!
Awwww. She’s a sweetie. may she bring you loads of love.
She gets more adorable with each passing week. Love the gigantic paws and her floppy ears in the first photo. Can’t wait to see more as she grows up!
She is so adorable and it’s quite obvious she’ll be well-loved! I’m so happy for you and Kip, Wendy. Don’t hold back on the photo updates! Give her a belly scratch from me.
Oh, she is so lovely! There’s pretty much nothing better than a sleeping puppy with pink puppy tummy. Adorable!
Hope you and Kip enjoy your new addition and that she’ll add some joy to your hearts as you heal from the loss of Caribou.
Oh man she’s cute.
She is so cute! What a great addition to your family! I love the name too!
She’s so adorable! Her little ears and those big paws. What a cutie
Wendy, Raven is just beautiful! I fell in love with at first site so I can imagine how you’re bursting with love. I laughed at her big paws. They look so cute when they’re little with those huge paws. I look forward to a lot more pictures of Raven growing up.
Awww what a cute little puppy! Congratulations on your new arrival!
She is such beauty. I know that you’ll enjoy her! She’s a lucky girl.
Congratulations on the new family member! She’s beautiful! How could you possibly say no to a sweet little puppy.
How very cute is she! Congrats on the new addition.
It’s wonderful being grandparents again! Nothing like having a brand new puppy to love and cuddle. Wish were lived closer so we could snuggle in her baby fur too! She has really grown since the last photos. Best wishes and lots of love to the whole family!!!
Mom and Dad xxx’s and ooo’s
Not that you need to hear it again, but Raven is sooo cute! Almost makes me want to get a dog
Raven is sooo cute! Her mother is gorgeous- I bet she grows up to be a beautiful dog.
Oh what a sweetie
Okay, I have goosebumps too. Look at those paws…LOL. I’m so happy for you and to SEE you Wendy. Looking forward to sharing her growing up with you. Hugs, Linda
Congratulations on your new fur baby! Raven is so precious and just too cute for words….bet she has that sweet puppy breath too! I’m so happy for you and know that Caribou is too. Love you sis.
Wendy-
She is so cute!! I love her name. When I see kittens and puppies, sometimes I wish they would stay little longer! She’s just so cute and her parents are gorgeous! You are going to have so much fun with her!!