Valentino, Cupid, Candy, Arrow, Rose and Angel
Valentino, Cupid, Arrow, Candy, Rose and Angel came to stay with us on February 9th. Since Valentine’s Day was right around the corner, it seemed fitting to give them Valentine-themed names. 
These sweet puppies came from Youngstown. We don’t know the whole story just that they were taken from their home and the police were involved. After spending a night with another foster family, Eleanor and I picked them up and brought them home.
The plan was to split fostering duties: we’d take all six temporarily and then place three with another Geauga Mama Dog’s foster. But they were so sweet and mellow that I wanted to keep them all until they were adopted. I changed my mind the second morning when their pen was a complete poop-a-palooza! I cleaned up the mess, made my tea and came back to poop-a-palooza part Two! Plus they had rolled in it! 
So, it was back to cleaning, followed by some impromptu baths, and finally a post on our Facebook page requesting backup foster help. 
First are pictures Eleanor helped take of each puppy, and just below those are pics of their ride to our home. They were so tiny and exhausted from the journey. Once we got them bathed and fed, they began to settle in—and even had the energy to play a little.
Sleeping Puppies
As always, I couldn’t resist taking pictures of the puppies while they slept. This bunch loved curling up in a pile. Like all puppies, they moved from spot to spot and ran in their dreams!
Valentino, Cupid and Candy
When Angel, Arrow, and Rose went to another Geauga Mama Dogs foster, we were down to just Valentino, Cupid, and Candy. We kept Valentino and Cupid, since we were thinking about adopting one—and a friend of mine was considering adopting the other! Candy already had someone interested in her, so things were falling into place. It always amazes me how quickly puppies adapt. Even when some of their littermates leave, they continue to play, snuggle and live in the moment.
These puppies absolutely loved outdoor playtime, especially when the weather was cool. With their black fur, they warmed up quickly and didn’t mind the cold.
Playtime with Lily and Boots
A big part of fostering is helping the puppies socialize—with both people and other animals. One of their most important teachers is Old Aunt Lily. She’s quick to remind them that not every dog appreciates a nose in their face! Her growls and barks always catch them off guard, but it’s a valuable lesson. Not all dogs are as patient, and it’s better they learn that early.
Then there’s Boots, our cat who truly believes she’s part dog. She loves to mess with the puppies, often sprawling across the kitchen floor like she’s daring them to inch closer. And our cat Olive? She makes the occasional royal appearance just to establish that she’s in charge 
. And who is this strange glass dog? He doesn’t seem to want to play!
Valentine and Ollivier (Cupid)
We adopted Valentino, and our friend Dawn welcomed Ollivier—formerly Cupid—into her family! These two loved snuggling together and chasing each other around like in the video and picture below. Best of all, Olliever and Valentino still get to have playdates.
One video captures the moment Ollivier met his new mama and big sister, Emma . And in the photo, you can see him settling into his forever home. Meanwhile, Valentino was busy settling in too—playing with his kitty sister Boots, meeting his cousins Ginger and Leia, and lending a paw while Mama worked. The last tow pictures are Val and Ollivier on a play date at about 6 months old. They both weigh right around 70 pounds! They are going to be big boys!!
gura.life TikTok!
Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups
Go to the Geauga Mama Dogs and Pups website to see puppies and mama dogs available for adoption, learn about our group, donate or volunteer to foster or transport.
