Nothing brings a breeder more joy than knowing a puppy has been placed in a home where he is bringing joy to his humans and receiving love and care in return. The following letter was sent to me from someone who purchased a Bordoodle puppy from Willa and Burton’s summer 2025 litter.
Hi Nana! Ania (Cauliflower) here. I’m so happy to have the chance to send a message to you and Mom (Willa). I’ve been wanting to tell you how much I appreciate the love and care you and Mom gave me when I was little. I think I had a better start in life than other puppies. Thank you. I remember all the time you spent with me gently teaching me about the world – I’m a happy, confident, well-adjusted puppy because of the work you did. I miss you both, but my new people are pretty nice.
My people give me plenty to eat, lots of toys – and a SISTER! I really like chew toys that make a crackly noise – but even better is to chew my adopted sister Leia’s ear! My favorite toy is usually whatever Leia has. Almost every night my guy person throws a ball so Leia and I can chase it. I really enjoy chasing the ball and keeping it away from Leia – but when Leia gets it, she keeps it away from me! It’s a fun game. Leia and I get along really well – my people say they don’t have a puppy – Leia does! Leia and I are together 24/7. If Leia isn’t nearby, I get whiny and try to find her.
Leia helps me learn what people mean when they say “sit”, “wait”, “lay down”, “come here” or “right here”. Sometimes I forget, but it doesn’t take me long to remember. I’m also learning I can jump! Leia jumps better than I do, but I’m working on it. I’m also learning this neat game called “find it” where one of my people hide a treat and I get to smell around the house for it. Leia is better at “find it” than I am – she can even find it when it’s under things. I’m still working on the idea of finding it – I have a hard time smelling for the treat sometimes but one day I’ll be as good as Leia is at this game.
When my guy person gets home from work, and it’s not cold or windy, Leia and I get to go for a walk. I’m learning not to pull on the leash but sometimes it’s hard to remember because there’s so much to smell and every so often there’s squirrels, rabbits, other dogs or bicycles to bark at. My guy person doesn’t like it when I bark at these things so I’m learning these things are OK. We all walk to or through different parks near our house and he lets Leia and me smell all around the grass in the park – but on the sidewalk, Leia and I have to walk beside our guy person.
When my people aren’t home during the day, my lady person takes Leia and me to a place where we see lots of other dogs! I get to go in the car to this place where dogs play together and people there teach me more about sit, stay, heel and place. I really, really like going there! This place gave me my first bath and haircut. I felt so much better after I got a haircut. My lady person was a little sad I looked more grown up – but I think I looked better.
When I’m home and Leia doesn’t want to play, I look out the windows. I try to remember to bark once or twice at things outside so my people will come to investigate, but I get excited sometimes and bark too much. My people tell me things are OK and I stop barking. I’m a home protection specialist!
I don’t know why, but I really like cleaning ears. I like to clean Leia’s ears, the cat’s ears, and my people’s ears. My people and the cat don’t put up with it and Leia only tolerates it sometimes.
My people are a tiny bit worried I’m not as big as I should be. They weigh and measure me once a week. Even though my food dish is always available, I’m just not growing right now. I’ll bet I have a growing spurt soon. I’m only six months old and have plenty of time to grow. I probably won’t be as big as my sister, but it’s OK. My people love me for who I am not what I am.
Well, Nana, that’s it for now. Be sure to let mom know I love and miss her. I really don’t think you could have given me a better start to life.
Thanks again. Ania
The author of this letter requests to remain anonymous.