Planet Canine Generation Two

I appreciate the patience it took for me to put together this second book about my ancestor Aspen and his family. This has not been an easy task but I have enjoyed every second of working towards the goal of publishing my family’s history. If you are reading this book first or don’t recall what was happening before I finished off book one. Let me give you a quick summary of the events leading up to this new part of Aspen’s life. I am going to resume telling the story again from Aspens perspective; I couldn’t believe it after so many years and attempts to reconcile with my father there he was again standing right in front of me. At first I couldn’t believe it but I had more pressing issues on my mind like the fact that my first litter of pups was about to be born. After an awkward second I decided perhaps it was time for me to extend my paw out to my adopted father so I decided rather impulsively to invite him into the birthing room so he could witness the birth of his grand pups. I may not be his real son or related to Clyde anymore but I felt he deserved at least a chance to make up for his past. My father being the stubborn man I remember him to be refused the invitation at first to the Birthing room in the canine hospital and I was waiting to see if my dad would change his mind. After I entered the room and asked Virginia how she felt she replied with I am great but a bit nervous why. I replied I ran into someone from my past and I want him to meet you if you are ok with that. Andrea said if this canine is important to you Aspen I would be happy to meet them. My dad walked into the room I cleared my throat swallowed hard and I said Clyde meet my wife Virginia and Virginia meet my adopted father. She said this is your father I said yes it is, she said so you just let him in on our special day. I said I know how you feel about him I feel the same way but I have determined to leave the past where it belongs and try and establish some form of communication with my dad again.

Virginia said why bother with him he could not even show up for our wedding or even bother to send a response back. He never once has congratulated us on our wedding or me becoming pregnant, he never even called to congratulate you on the book why bother now trying to make him care. I said I know but we only get so many chances in life to make up for missed opportunities or chances. I said I have been so tempted to write him off but I can’t he helped to raise me and make me the wolf I am today. She said well he has met me and unless he plans of helping with delivery I want him out of this room. I said will you please give him a chance, Clyde said I don’t deserve it Aspen. He said you tried but your wife is right I have made too many mistakes when it comes down to the way I raised and treated you and your new family Aspen. I appreciate your effort but stop wasting your time on me I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I could never apologize for the way I treated you, or your mother I am a bad wolf who has committed many sins in my life. I said I have been guilty of some of the same sins dad, but now we have a chance for forgiveness. We can start over just admit to your mistakes and offer a sincere apology let’s try to have a relationship again. We can never be father and son again but at least we could be equals friend’s acquaintances Clyde just looked away from me and said thanks for the offer but I won’t ruin this special occasion for you or your wife goodbye Aspen.

Virginia said I would love to hear your dad apologize to us but I don’t expect anything positive from that wolf he has tried to ruin your life. Clyde replied listen to you wife Aspen I have cheated stole and done many other horrible things and each action I did for one purpose. I was feeding my ego and the more it grew the worse I became I am a violent wolf with a horrible temper who was never satisfied. I never recognized your skills or talents I pushed and tried to mold you and my pups into a copy of myself. I craved fame fortune bones and recognition and I liked all the attention I was receiving. I had power authority and more I had everything I craved and was denied for so long that when I grabbed it. I had no clue what to do with that power so I abused it and made myself a monster in your mom’s eyes and my first son’s eyes. I abandoned you and left you alone and threatened you with arrest and jail and the worst thing I could have done I did I exiled you. I do not deserve your forgiveness or the opportunity to make up for my actions. I am everything that is wrong with this world and I have lost so much in my life. I lost you, my wife’s love, my pups respect and I lost the chance to be in your life. I am no good to you or your family so thank you for the opportunity to witness the birth but I don’t belong in the same room with you or your wife.

Celebrate this miracle with your wife Chance and let me disappear from your life like a ghost and with that he reached his paw toward the door knob and was going to leave. Virginia grabbed his tail and pulled him over to the bed she looked deep into his eyes. She said I hate what you did to your son and family, but I hear some sincerity in your words. I believe that you are sorry about your past actions and are seeking forgiveness I will accept your apology but if you hurt my husband or his extended family again I will personally see to your destruction. Virginia said Aspen likes to build bridges and lucky for you Clyde I will let him try to build a bridge again with you. I know Clyde your former adopted father played an important role in your life so I will give him a chance in ours. I said we can never be father and son again but we can be a support system for each other if you will let me try. Dad said ok but why now, I said because you were there for thirteen years of my life with a roof, food, and family when I had none. He said but we were not that great at being parents I said so what you learned from your mistakes look at the other pups they still love you. You can still be their dad and help them just let them in your heart, he said I will thanks I said you are not off the leash yet but you are making progress Clyde.

Clyde said I wish you would call me dad I said that time has passed; my pups will know you as a friend of mine or nothing at all. He said I should be their grandfather I said no you stripped me of the family name so they have no relationship with you on the family level. You are just a wolf I used to know who I have reconnected with in a meaningful way. He said what about my wife I said she is my mom and always will be she always supported me even when you threatened her she saw my potential. I said you may be her husband but you stopped being my father a long time ago and Mom will be the pups grandmother she deserves that title. Clyde said I accept that fact, Virginia said ok Aspen I appreciate this loving and touching moment and everything but I think something more important is happening now. She took one of my paws in hers and squeezed it gently I looked and said you are doing fantastic the first pup head is coming out of the birth canal and is crowning. I said just push a little more she said ok and with that the first pup was born. Virginia tore open the sack carefully with her teeth and licked the pup gently until it began to cry and she pushed the pup to one of her nipples and I saw it begin to nurse I said one down five more to go. She said is it a boy or girl I said I have not looked at the pup’s equipment yet I am just watching for the next one to be born she said it will be a few minutes. I looked at the pup and said it is a boy she said thanks for telling me I said how are we going to name them.

She said we can worry about the names later Aspen let’s just make sure they are all healthy, I gave her a kiss on the cheek. She began to push again and the second pup was born, she removed the sack surrounding the pup licked it and when it whimpered she pushed it to a free nipple and it began to feed I said that one is a female and was on the top nipple. She said I love you Aspen very much the next pup came quickly and easy as the other two and was a boy she said this is not so bad I said fifty percent complete she laughed and said the next one is coming and it did. I said they are both females she said well the girls may outnumber the boys I said that does no matter how are you feeling she said tired but also happy. I said the next puppy is out she said you can clean it so I broke the sack and licked the pup until it whimpered as I pushed it to one of the two last remaining nipples I said a boy. About five minutes later the last male wolf pup was born and they were all nursing and looked healthy. I said good work Virginia she said it’s not over yet we waited another fifteen minutes and she delivered the placenta and I gave it to her she ate half I ate the other half as wolf custom. She said I am so tired I said rest for now I will get you some food she said thanks I asked do you want anything special she said no surprise me. I left the room and came back with some home cooked venison and she smelled it and ate the whole thing quickly I said slow down. She said I am starving I said I know but the doctor said eat slowly no need to overwhelm the system to fast plus they said you should eat a special blend of kibble. She said look I like kibble but I like meat I said I know I said how about a fish she said ok I gave her a fresh cooked fish that she ate slowly and said that hit the spot.

I said how about some water to drink I gave her a bowl and she drank it quickly and burped. I gave her a second bowl of water, and she finished it off just as the doctor arrived. The doctor saw the plates and said your appetite has returned she said it has, he said good remember to eat often and drink often the pups need nutrition and it takes more energy and food to make the milk to feed them so don’t worry if you gain a few pounds you will lose it quickly. She said ok but this is my first litter so is it safe to leave them alone for a few minutes to use the bathroom and how do I encourage the pups to go. The doctor said after the pups eat you need to lick their private areas this will stimulate them to go you need to do this for them every time they nurse. They will feed often so if they are napping and you need to go just turn on the heat light or blanket and go but don’t leave them for long. She said that means I won’t be able to spend time with my husband I said I will visit you in the nursery and help you when you allow me too or need me too. The doctor said it is normal for you as the mom to feel protective and territorial around the pups so dad don’t get upset if she growls at you it is normal. I asked how do we get them home he said put them in this self warming basket and they will sleep then immediately put then in the nursery with mom and mom feed them. They will eat almost twenty four hours a day for the first couple weeks. At two weeks old they should open there eyes and at four they should begin to hear sounds and develop a bark. I said they are making noises now, the doctor said that is normal pup sounds not there voice just standard pup sounds. Virginia said I am thankful for that I said rest up and as soon as the doctor gives us the all clear we will take them home. The doctor said well we need to weigh and measure each pup and we will put a temporary collar on each one it will fall off at four weeks and it means that they need their first set of puppy shots, I said thank you for the information.

Clyde said thank you for letting me witness the birth but I have a responsibility to fulfill and well you should spend time with your wife. With that he left room I gave Virginia a kiss and said thank you for letting him in she replied I love you and your big heart Aspen. The nurse in charge of measuring and weighing the pups said we need names in order to complete their birth certificate. I asked Virginia if she had any names she liked and she said not really I said ok how do you want to assign names she said I am not sure. I said do you want each to start with a different letter of the alphabet them all too start with the same letter. She said I like them all the names starting with the same letter. I said that is a good start I said what letter she said B because your first name starts with and A I said that works. I said I like Birch she said isn’t that a type of tree I said yes but is that a male or female name. She said I like it for a girl’s name is sounds very feminine I said then the first female will be Birch, She agreed and said I like Branson for a boy and it is where my dad is from originally. I said that is perfect, I thought for a minute and said Barbra for the second female Virginia said perfect. I said how about Bear for the big male pup she said that I like plus he is mostly black and brown like a bear. Becky for the third girl I finally said it took me a while to come up with name and Virginia said ok. She said how about Bandit for the last boy I said it is cute and I love it we agreed on all the names. The nurse put their names on the temporary collars and said they all are a health weight and length and they should grow up to be big wolves.

Virginia said I want to take them home I said I know but you have not been cleared to leave yet and I like to make sure you don’t start bleeding. She said ok I also said you have not gone to the bathroom yet but have eaten and drank. She said that may not last long I said do you got to go she said not yet but soon perhaps. I gave her another kiss and said the pups are perfect you did a good job; she said can you clean the pups if I take a nap. I said sure I can the pups stopped nursing during her little nap so I licked their private areas and they peed and poop it did not taste bad and I knew it had to be done. The pups were sleeping next to mom and I just admired them for a moment before taking the litter’s picture with my phone before stepping out of the room for a minute to send the picture to Virginia’s dad and mom. I sent the picture to my mom Comet Ranger Fred Edith George and Snow before heading back in the room. The pups squealed and squeaked as they slept and watching them filled me with pride. My adopted dad had left the room a while ago but he told me that I have some good pups and I agreed to keep him informed of their progress. I could not help myself from watching the pups and when Virginia farted and I was happy to hear that sound. The smell not so much, the pups little noses would twitch and scrunch as if they were reacting to the smell. The pups slowly woke up again and were crying I pushed them with my nose gently back to the nipple of mom. They latched on again and started to nurse again after they finished I licked them again Virginia was waking up and saw me taking care of the pups she said thank you. I said no problem you deserved a long rest she said I need to go potty badly now.

I called the nurse and she said yes I said my wife needs to go to the bathroom she got some supplies. I helped Virginia stand up in the bed she was a bit unstable and the pups were not happy to lose their heat source. The nurse wrapped them up in a blanket and put a pan under my wife she squatted and I watched as pee came out in a steam until it dwindled to a few drops. Virginia said much better then began to push the nurse said do not push hard you may still be sore she just grunted once and a medium sized pile came out her rear end and she said I am empty I helped Virginia lay back down after the nurse took the pan. I gave Virginia some more water she said thank you the pups were asleep in the blanket. The doctor said I need you to stay just tonight and gather your strength he said tomorrow morning you can leave with the pups and head back home. I said thank you Virginia asked what does a wolf need to do to get some food I am starving. The nurse brought her a tray and said I can offer you some lunch now, Virginia said this does not look very appetizing I said I will get you a proper home cooked meal for tonight. She said you better, the doctor laughed and said get some rest to dad you look exhausted I said but what if my wife needs me. She said don’t worry Aspen take a nap and that is and order. I said fine but I am not leaving your room, I said now I may leave I have to go potty now the nurse said the room has a bathroom in it. I said thanks opened the door and ran inside I found a dog bowl and peed it felt amazing to be able to pee finally. I had been saving it so long I also took a huge dump in the bowl before relaxing in the reclining chair in the room before falling asleep. The nurse covered me up and I woke up to see Ray in the room I said hello. He said good looking pups I yawned and said sorry I fell asleep. He said you needed it so don’t worry, Ray said I like the names they are very original.

I said thank you he said today marks the first day of your new life as a dad and marks the beginning of your legacy. Aspen you are like a son too me and I like you but let me tell you being a dad is one of the hardest and most rewarding jobs on the planet. He said six pups is a good amount and they all look so healthy and are active, I said they look nothing like either of us. Ray said wait to they get bigger than you will see the resemblance, He said they grow up fast and are only going to get bigger and more challenging. I wish you luck and if you prefer to work from home that is fine with me just keep us updated on their status everyone in the office is very happy to hear about the birth and names. I said Virginia did the hard part, as I said this she woke up and said hey dad when did you arrive. He said a few minutes ago. The pups are so precious I had to see them in person she said go ahead give them a sniff Ray did and he said they smell like you and Aspen. She said Aspen helped clean them after eating and helped me come up with the names. Ray said I like the names and I am sure they will grow into the names and be great wolves.

She said I am in no hurry to have a second litter right now but eventually one day I will be ready. Ray said this one litter is perfect I love them and you get some rest and stop by the office with the pups after they have had all their shots and are weaned. She said cant I nurse them in the office Ray said um no I am not comfortable with that idea she laughed at her dads reaction and said just joking dad lighten up. He said I am glad you are feeling up to joking that is a good sign, I said what do you want for dinner Virginia I will go make us a meal. Ray said that may not be necessary I said why not he said I smell something good heading this direction. It was Snow And George I said hello and gave them a hug, Snow said not so hard Aspen I am pregnant and well I pee easily now. George said we brought you some food I said thank you he said no problem. Ray asked when is your due date Snow she said in about two months I said that went quick she said winter wolves have shorter gestation cycles than the traditional wolf. I smiled and said I can’t wait to meet my grand pups; George laughed and said they are technically your adopted grand pups. I said who cares about the semantics I am just happy about them coming; I asked how the pregnancy has been Snow. She replied easy no problems or issues except for the constantly having to pee problem it is annoying. I said use the bathroom if you need it she said thanks grumbled went in peed and washed her paws before coming back out. She said your pups George better look good because I am tired of them pressing on my bladder. I laughed and said that is one of the costs of being a mother, I am telling now George that when you witness the birth of your pups it is like nothing you have ever seen before. George said I just remembered dad it was your birthday three days ago how does it feel to be twenty One. I said it feels no different than any other age but having my pups be born so close to my birthday is the best present I could asked for. Virginia said really I said six healthy wolf pups is a fantastic gift, they may be small now but I can’t wait to teach them so many things. Virginia said they are not skipping school grades I want them to get a proper education no offense to George or Snow. They said none taken but I just learned something interesting talking about school, I was talking to the local elementary school for career day dad and I discovered something. I said what the local schools have integrated dogs into the canine classroom no more separate wolf schools unless you choose the pups to go to and Alpha academy and they are allowing dogs in to the campus. I said that is wonderful news besides I know Fred’s kids will be in that school so will yours one day so the three families will have pups in the same school that will be interesting and a good thing that means they can look out for each other.