Welcoming to the World Ziggy & Freya’s 2025 Litter
We are excited to announce the arrival of Ziggy and Freya’s 2025 litter of puppies! Every pregnancy and litter is a new adventure, whether it’s a girl’s first or third time. The anticipation never fades-how many are hiding in there? Who will have the white toe? And who’s the feisty one kicking me on her left side? These questions have been running through our minds since February.
It’s been a year since Freya’s last litter, and we can’t wait to introduce you to these little ones as they grow.
Freya and Ziggy F1 Goldendoodle Puppies
We are excited to announce the arrival of Ziggy and Freya’s 2025 litter of puppies! Every pregnancy and litter is a new adventure, whether it’s a girl’s first or third time. The anticipation never fades-how many are hiding in there? Who will have the white toe? And who’s the feisty one kicking me on her left side? These questions have been running through our minds since February. It’s been a year since Freya’s last litter, and we can’t wait to introduce you to these little ones as they grow.
Ivy’s comforting paw touches her sister, Freya
Sisterly Support
Freya has handled this pregnancy beautifully. She’s adored the extra, extra pampering-both from us and from the other dogs, not to mention our cat, Aurora. Last time, Freya preferred solitude; she’d find a quiet spot to watch everything from afar, uninterested in the company of the other dogs.
Back then, her sister Ivy was busy with her own litter. Her pups were about seven weeks old and in the midst of weaning, so the sisters rarely saw each other during Freya’s pregnancy. This time, Ivy has been fully invested in Freya’s journey. She’s fiercely protective of Freya’s belly and never far from her side-whether it’s a paw on her rump, a head on her belly, or simply lying back-to-back. I’ve loved watching all the ways Ivy stays close.
Ivy is an incredibly devoted mom who loves puppies with all her heart. When it was time to wean Freya’s litter last year, Ivy stepped into the role of “Auntie” perfectly. Having another experienced mom involved helps the puppies adjust during weaning, providing comfort and keeping order when Mom needs a break.
Ziggy, Aurora and Ivy Wait for the Puppies
Fluffy Guardians
There’s a special dynamic between all the animals during these times, and Ziggy is no exception. He’s always delighted by the pregnancies, getting this goofy grin with each new arrival. Most girls are rightfully protective of their bellies in the later stages, but Freya has let him be near. At night, I often find Ziggy lying on the floor next to Freya, who has claimed his bed for herself. He stretches his head out just far enough so his snoot can touch her, content to simply be close. It’s one of those small, sweet moments that makes this experience so memorable.
Aurora has been a fascinating part of this story. To Freya and Ivy, she’s their “mom.” Aurora was a feral cat with nine kittens when she chose Karl and me in 2014. She was hesitant when we first introduced dogs-Ziggy was just a nine-week-old pup-but the poodle girls were born in her house. She heard their little whimpers and, as a mom herself, knew just how to care for them.
Normally, Aurora has no qualms about wandering across the dogs’ bellies, asserting her authority as she moves through the house. She is more than happy to boop Freya in the nose until enough fur gets in her nostrils she has to sneeze. It is an event that happens enough with all the dogs to know that Aurora is doing it on purpose and it is a power she loves to wield. But with Freya, she’s made a point to avoid the belly. Instead, she purrs and kneads biscuits right next to her.
Freya Preparing for Birth
Birth in Our Bedroom
We set up our bedroom for the birth to take place in a location where Freya was most comfortable. She did wonderfully. She kept us on our toes, thinking she was moments from starting until, at last, at 8:30p.m on 4-21, the magic began. We were with her for the arrival of every pup. Seeing each one as it arrived is a fantastic feeling. She finished in the early hours of 4-22, and we all slept.
The pups are strong-ready to nurse from their arrival and finding the strength to stand on their little legs within a couple of days. They have little poodle features and little golden retriever features: a curl on their head from the poodle, a broad nose from the golden. It is a delight to watch them change over the next few weeks.
In the early days their primary personality is eat, sleep, poop and cry, not too much different from most babies. There has been some interesting features already. The smallest girl was first to arrive and before she was clean had already started to nurse. Her brother who arrived second was happy to just roll around and let Freya clean him after his arrival.
Aurora and Ivy watch over Freya and the nest while she rests.
Family Dynamics Around the Nest
Behavior around the nest has been much the same. Freya has allowed Ziggy, Ivy, and Aurora to continue to be near the pups much as she did with her pregnant belly. We kept them all away during the birth so she could be as comfortable as possible, but after that, we let her dictate their nearness to her brood.
Ziggy is quite the proud dad. He beams every time he looks at them and sees us praising them. (He does get a little jealous of the girls and pups’ praise, so we have to remind him and praise him for the good job he is doing too.) He sleeps with either a paw or a nose touching the nest. When the pups were a couple of days old, Freya even allowed him to sleep with his head in the nest, watching her and the little ones.
Ivy and Aurora have been two ever-present aunties. Ivy will not go into the nest, nor will she touch the puppies unless we are holding them. She is maintaining a great deal of respect for her sister-more than we would have anticipated. She sleeps every night at the foot of our bed so she can look over the litter.
Aurora blesses the litter with her presence. She approaches the whelping box and rubs her face across each corner. She will glance inside but has also shown an intense amount of esteem for the sanctity of another girl’s nest. She purrs and happy paws before jumping on our bed next to Ivy so they can maintain the watch together.
Freya and Her Litter
Reflecting on New Life
The pups are now opening their eyes and showing more personality. Those first few days do little to reveal their true selves. Some pups show up with a drive from the moment they arrive. Others are here for the journey with no hurry to go anywhere. Observing these traits as they show themselves is a privilege of what we do.
It’s always a magnificent experience-scary, enlightening, heartwarming, a little gross, and filled with new life. As we welcome this new litter, I’m reminded once again of the magic and unpredictability of new life. Each puppy brings its own surprises, personality, and joy. Whether you’re following along for the first time or have been with us through past litters, thank you for sharing in our excitement.
We can’t wait to introduce you to each little face as they grow and discover the world. Stay tuned for puppy profiles and portraits-this litter’s adventure is just beginning.
Pile of Puppies
Generations of Joy: The Story of Angel, Lily, and the Poodle Sisters
The story of Freya and Ivy begins many years before their birth. It all started with Angel, their grandmother, a beautiful white poodle with intense black eyes and a button charcoal nose. We first met Angel when she was just six months old, while working on replacing some wooden flooring for her owner. Even then, Angel's personality shone through – she was curious, intelligent, and had a regal air about her that belied her puppy clumsiness. Over the years, we continued to do odd jobs for her owner, watching Angel grow into a stunning companion. Her gentle nature made her a joy to be around, and we always looked forward to seeing her on our visits.
One marvelous day, while we were working, Angel gave birth to a litter of Standard Poodles. The excitement in the house was palpable as we watched this new generation come into the world. In the litter were little puppies that looked just like their mom with little button noses and one girl with an apricot nose. This unique feature immediately caught our eye, setting her apart from her siblings. As the pups grew, two girls were chosen by the owner to continue the bloodline, one of them being the apricot-nosed puppy, named Lily.
The Girls posing after a bath. Freya on the Left, Ivy on the Right
The Beginning: Angel's Story
The story of Freya and Ivy begins many years before their birth. It all started with Angel, their grandmother, a beautiful white poodle with intense black eyes and a button charcoal nose. We first met Angel when she was just six months old, while working on replacing some wooden flooring for her owner. Even then, Angel's personality shone through – she was curious, intelligent, and had a regal air about her that belied her puppy clumsiness. Over the years, we continued to do odd jobs for her owner, watching Angel grow into a stunning companion. Her gentle nature made her a joy to be around, and we always looked forward to seeing her on our visits.
One marvelous day, while we were working, Angel gave birth to a litter of Standard Poodles. The excitement in the house was palpable as we watched this new generation come into the world. In the litter were little puppies that looked just like their mom with little button noses and one girl with an apricot nose. This unique feature immediately caught our eye, setting her apart from her siblings. As the pups grew, two girls were chosen by the owner to continue the bloodline, one of them being the apricot-nosed puppy, named Lily.
Mom of Freya and Ivy, Lily
Lily's Journey: Continuing the Legacy
A couple of years passed, and we grew fond of Lily, appreciating her intelligence and charm, much like her mother Angel. Lily had inherited her mother's grace but had a playful streak that was all her own. She would often greet us spinning in circles at full speed. Her apricot nose, which had first drawn our attention, became a defining feature that we adored.
When the opportunity arose for Lily to join our family, we seized it with joy. She fell into our lives with such ease, as if she had always been meant to be with us. Her transition was smooth, and she quickly became the heart of our home. Her puppies with Ziggy were incredibly healthy, smart, and had coats that absolutely glowed. Just as her mother Angel had once inspired her owner, we knew we had to continue her bloodline.
Dad of Freya and Ivy, Apollo
The Quest for the Perfect Match: Lily and Apollo
This led us to Apollo, a wonderful fellow who was tall, lanky, intelligent, and quite the dork—the perfect match for Lily. When we first met Apollo, we were struck by his jovial demeanor and the way he carried himself with a mix of dignity and playfulness. His coat was a rich, deep color that complemented Lily's lighter tones beautifully.
We arranged for their meeting, but little did we know, we were about to learn about the concept of false heat and false pregnancy. For over a month, Lily fooled us into thinking she was pregnant, enjoying the extra pampering and special care, which she loved to flaunt in front of her sister. We prepared a special nesting area, bought puppy supplies, and even started discussing potential names. However, as the days passed and her belly stopped growing, we realized it was a false alarm. It was a disappointment, but also a learning experience that deepened our understanding of canine breeding.
Six months later, we tried again, our hopes high once more. The results were much the same—another false pregnancy. But we didn't give up. These experiences, while frustrating, only strengthened our resolve and our bond with Lily. We learned patience and the importance of trusting the natural process. Six more months passed, and we decided to try once more. This time, it would prove to be the lucky one. For us, the third time was indeed the charm.
64 days later, Lily went into labor. The anticipation was intense as we waited for each puppy to arrive. One little boy with a charcoal button nose, followed by another, and then a third. Each arrival was met with joy and relief. The fourth puppy was a boy with an apricot nose, just like his mother. We were getting concerned that if there were no girls, we would have to arrange for another meeting four months later... But then, back-to-back, puppies five and six arrived. Two healthy, beautiful girls with apricot noses. The relief and happiness we felt were indescribable.
The First Girls Arrival
Raising the Litter: Challenges and Delights
The litter was a blast to raise. They were our first full-blood Poodle puppies we raised at home, we had raised Goldendoodle and Golden Retriever litters before this. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. Poodle puppies are so distinct; they are clumsy with attempts to be regal and carry a deep wonder for the world while simultaneously judging it. We watched in amusement as they would attempt to strike dignified poses, only to tumble over each other in a heap of fluffy fur. Their intelligence was evident from an early age – they quickly learned the routine and basic commands, always eager to please and learn more.
As the pups neared eight weeks old, we were happy to share them with the world. We had chosen plant-themed names for the litter, inspired by the natural beauty around us. Ivy and Violet(A name we would later change) were the names we chose for the girls, and the boys were Lupine, Clover, Hawthorne, and Alfalfa, who we called Alfie.
Alfie was the first to go home with his little apricot nose. His human mom had been waiting for him as long as we had for Ivy and Freya. She had been with us through every disappointment and the eventual victory, and seeing her face light up when she held Alfie for the first time was a moment we'll never forget. The three button noses found their families over the next few weeks. Each departure was bittersweet – we were happy to see them go to loving homes, but saying goodbye was never easy.
Posing for their First Picture, Freya on Left and Ivy on Right
Finding Their Names: Ivy and Freya's Early Days
We were confident in Ivy's name. She was clingy and wanted to be attached to Karl at all times. He would pop her in his chest pocket and take her with him, a tiny head poking out curiously at the world. Eventually, he moved to holding her in his shirt until she was too big for that. One thing has never changed with her—her desire to be by his side all the time. She still expects him to try to snuggle her in his shirts, even now that she's fully grown.
Freya grew into her name. She was called Violet until she was almost six months old, but the name did not fit. We watched her develop, noting how she walked with the grace of her father and the confidence of her mother. She commanded the attention of a room upon entry and wanted to be treated like a lady. Eventually, the name Freya was said, and her head cocked in that most Poodle-y way, and it stuck. It was as if she had been waiting for us to realize her true name all along.
The Girls Official Portrait, Freya to the Left and Ivy to the Right
A Bond Like No Other: Reflections on Our Journey
The experience of raising our girls from the moment they were born has been enlightening beyond anything I could have imagined. The bond we have felt with them is different. Our bond with their mother was strong, as we had known her from birth, but these two... We held them during their first moments and have watched with pride their growth into maturity. Every milestone, from their first steps to their first bark, has been a treasure.
They carry innately so many traits of both their parents while distinctly being their own unique selves. They are both fast, but not in the same way. Ivy is fast like the wind; she likes to move and feel the air fly past her face. When she runs, it's with abandon, pure joy in motion. Freya is fast like a fawn; she prances on the air, bouncing off of each step. Her movements are more calculated, as if she's always aware of how graceful she looks.
The two girls move together with us, and if one gets anything, the other is quick to point out the inequity. They are happy to play off each other to get as much attention as possible, playing up their competitive natures. But they are quick to have each other's backs or to jointly pick on Ziggy if he is hoarding the toys. Their relationship is a beautiful balance of sisterly competition and unwavering loyalty.
The Girls enjoying the cool floor, Ivy to the left and Freya with the pink.
Conclusion: A Home Full of Love
As we reflect on this journey from Angel to Freya and Ivy, we're filled with gratitude for the joy, laughter, and love these poodles have brought into our lives. Each generation has taught us something new about the breed and about ourselves. The challenges we faced, from false pregnancies to sleepless nights with newborn puppies, have only deepened our appreciation for these intelligent, loving creatures.
Looking ahead, we're excited for the adventures to come with Freya and Ivy. Their distinct personalities continue to unfold, surprising and delighting us every day. In future blogs, we look forward to sharing more personal stories about each girl – their quirks, their achievements, and the countless ways they enrich our lives.
For now, we cherish every moment with our poodle family. From Angel's legacy to Lily's journey, and now with Freya and Ivy by our sides, we're reminded daily of the special bond between humans and dogs. These elegant, silly, loving poodles have not just become part of our family; they've made our house a home, filled with wagging tails, wet noses, curly booping and endless love.
Ready and Waiting to Play, Freya to the Left and Ivy to the Right
Ziggy Comes Home
The tale of our wonderful Ziggy’s adventure coming home.
Ziggy’s First Portrait
The Blizzard
For months, we had been searching for the perfect Golden Retriever puppy, speaking with countless breeders but never finding the right fit. Then, one morning while browsing puppies.com, I saw him – a pair of eyes looking out into the world. I knew instantly he was the one. We immediately contacted the breeder in Nebraska, but being in Colorado, we needed to plan for the long drive.
After a two-week delay, we were finally ready to set off the next morning in an unfamiliar car. The forecast mentioned potential snow, but we felt prepared. Come morning, we awoke to an early blizzard. The radar showed the storm clearing about 30 minutes into our drive, so we decided to brave the harsh conditions. As predicted, the weather improved around the town of Simla, and from there, it was smooth sailing.
The journey through unfamiliar parts of Nebraska was enjoyable. We glimpsed Chimney Rock from afar and passed "Car-Henge," but we were too excited to stop – those puppy eyes were waiting for us.
The First Picture We Saw
Those Eyes
We arrived at the breeder's on a beautiful day, a stark contrast to the morning's blizzard. Blue skies and green grass welcomed us, along with a horde of adorable Golden Retriever puppies. They scampered between the breeder, Karl, their mom, and us. The breeder gathered up his sisters so we could focus on the boys.
Two puppies continued to linger at my feet. One danced and slapped, and the other tugged at my shoelaces. It was clear that one of these two was coming home. Finally, the dancer stopped and looked up at me. It was the eyes from the picture and the same blue collar. His brother continued to tug on my shoelaces, and it became apparent I was not the subject of his interest, but he was very much a fan of tug of war.
I picked up the blue-collared puppy, and it was love at first hold. After a whirlwind of paperwork, we were suddenly on our way home with our new family member. Karl quickly bought a blue collar from the closing K-Mart (the last one we ever saw open). As he placed it on our puppy, the little one closed his eyes and leaned into it. He was ours, and we were his.
Those Handsome Brown Eyes
No Gas In Gurley
Karl noticed the gas tank would need attention within the next couple of towns. We pulled toward the town of Gurley, but there was no gas station. We should be okay, after all, the next town wasn't that far up the road. We continued on. Suddenly, before we reached the next town, the gas light turned on. This would be the day we discovered a unique quirk of this particular vehicle: the tank is empty when it reads ¼ full.
We could see the gas station sign at the top of the next hill. Karl was being careful not to waste any fuel, but one hill before the Knapp Bros? The engine quit running. We were coasting towards the outskirts of Sidney, Nebraska, without enough fuel to get us there. An eccentric local stopped and offered to ‘shove’ our car with his push bars up the hill. We politely declined their offer, but they continued to press. Thankfully, a kind female police officer arrived. We explained our situation to her as the local shouted before driving away laughing, “Can you believe they thought they could get gas in Gurley!?”
The officer offered to drive Karl up the hill to the gas station and help us get on our way. Through all of this, the puppy slept on my lap, exhausted from his biggest day ever. I waited with him and stroked his ears until we filled up with the most expensive 1 gallon of gas we have ever purchased. We returned to the road and were able to properly fill up the tank to resume our journey.
The Town of Gurley, Nebraska
The Colorado Border
We hadn't chosen a name beforehand, wanting to meet him first. But before crossing back into Colorado, we knew: Sigfried, nicknamed Ziggy – meaning "victorious protector." He settled contentedly in my lap as we passed through each Nebraska town.
Ziggy woke up and watched the road for awhile. Every power pole was fascinating. He found himself being silly, and then he crawled over into Karl’s lap for a bit. Keeping his head down, we were surprised when, moments after crossing the Colorado border, Ziggy reached over towards me like he wanted attention, only to suddenly hork all over the middle console of the car.
Oh no, we had no paper towels, one fabric towel, and one shopping bag from a convenience store. We were unprepared for this. Although both of us had been around animals our whole lives, this was our first puppy experience. We pulled over and cleaned up what we could.
We resumed the trip, laughing at the nature of the incident occurring just past the Colorado border sign. Not long after this, he whined and refused to sit still. We carefully chose a spot and set him down to go. He pottied in the grass, and our journey, outside of one more hork-ing experience, was uneventful until about 30 minutes from home.
Ziggy Resting On the Drive Home
Snow=Home
As we approached home, the weather changed dramatically. The sunny skies gave way to heavy snow, with accumulations over 6 inches. We carefully navigated the last stretch home.
Ziggy had been whining to get out of the car for about 20 minutes. He NEEDED to go. We put him on the ground, and he stood frozen, his legs unsure of what to do. Never before had he seen snow. He patted around in it. He dropped his face into it and sniffed it. It stuck in his nose, and he recoiled back. After that, he dove his head at it before stopping to finally do his business.
We took him inside and introduced him to his new room. He met our cats, and before we knew it, he was asleep on the floor. We snuck away and marveled at our day before going to sleep. That morning, he was whining at the door and waving his tail in a stiff fashion.
We let him out, and he drifted over the snow. Running as fast as he could with his lower jaw just slightly open so he could scoop the snow like a whale before tumbling over onto his back and rolling himself in the cold.
Ziggy had found home, and it meant SNOW! Still to this day, he loves snow. Fresh snow is the best; he rolls himself, eats it, digs it, scoops it, and lays down. He loves to find that inner puppy who is still rolling in his first snow, and I adore watching it as much now as I did then.
Ziggy Discovering Snow