Immediately, Teddie grew. Once the little one was in my hand, really, one hand, her diminutive size made Teddie look full grown. All the way down to PA she was my little baby, my tiny pup, my young girl. Once Tessa was on the scene, Teddie seemed like a full grown dog - young, maybe, but not my tiny pup. So strange how that happens. She was amazing in the car on the way down, and the trip gave me quality time with her, at least on the way down. She came into the bathroom stall somewhere in CT and was able to balance on the toilet paper roll dispenser attached to the wall, so she must still be small enough! Not a peep out of her all the way down and all the way back. She just slept, as did the puppies. It was truly amazing!
There really is nothing like a maltese puppy. Soft, fluffy, brilliant white fur. Tiny little button nose. Bunny hop jumpies when excited. Sweet little kisses. If I could keep Tessa this small forever I would. She is so completely lovable it is unbelievable. Her nature is what the breeder described -- mellow and calm. When I need to leave her in her pen, she cries twice then goes to sleep. When I hold her, she goes limp in my arms (as did her Daddy, Finley) and will stay in cuddle mode for endless hours. Today we played outside in gorgeous 75 degree weather, and I can confirm that she does have legs and can run! She weighs a whopping 2.9lbs at 8 weeks (Teddie was 2.4 at 9 weeks) but isn't really overweight. She is a perfect little love ball and once again I am overwhelmed with love and appreciation for all this breeder has done with her doggies. Such fine little babies, both of them!
Somewhere near NYC I realized I'd brought my stitching, but had no needle. We got off the highway when we saw a Michaels sign, but could not for the life of us figure out how to drive to the front of the store so that I could just run in and get one. We gave up and carried on. Note to self: I can survive a long ride without stitching. Maybe it was because I had Teddie on my lap the whole time. If she hadn't been there...might not have been the same!
Now that the puppy is here safe and sound, with her dear little cousin Rudy living a few blocks away, I can rest easy and focus energies on art again. The art piece for the museum is well underway, and I have multiple classes booked at Michaels for the next few months. More classes might crop up at Staples, too -- but I have concerns over the local impact of Coronavirus, and am waiting another week to book them.
At this point, I'm still fighting the exhaustion from the trip, and before the trip, and the time change, too. Early to bed, to cuddle my girls, and catch up a bit. Ellie is happy, Teddie is happy, and while Tessa seems a little confused (dopey puppy!), I think she will be happy, too. Good night!