it's PuppyTime!

Molly's big babies - one day old

Not the best photo but enough for introductions. These little piggies were born less than 24 hours after their mama took up residence here, in the puppy house.
The brown and white one is the only male.

It's been a tough journey for the sweet mom, Molly.  She's gone from being someone's baby, herself, to being a stray.  She was held at the shelter for the requisite 72 hours without being claimed and then transferred here, to deliver her babies among strangers.  As it turned out, she had to have an emergency c-section after the pups were born so there was another round of out-the-door and back, before she was able to settle in and she's been a sweetheart, throughout.  But the truth is, although she's safe and warm with her little family, my pack of yappers is disturbed by the presence of this dog they've yet to meet.  They mill around her yard, sniffing and whining, releasing their excitement by fighting with each other just outside the gate.  Not the best environment for making Molly feel welcome and relaxed.  Periodically, she'll come out the doggie door, pissed and snarling, to shut them up and I can't blame her.  I do the same thing, from time to time.

Though she seems sad, Molly has met and welcomed lots of folks without the least sign of aggression, since the puppies were born.  She appeared to be delighted with the arrival of my little grandsons, gently bumping against them and reaching up to kiss their cheeks.  Apparently, the presence of young ones can be healing when you're going through heartache, whether you have two legs or four.   I just wonder if there isn't some family out there, missing Molly as much as she seems to be missing them.