With my brother and sister along for the ride (no way they were missing this) I drove down to visit John and the litter. The eight pups are six weeks old an were eager to romp as soon as we walked in the door.
Unleash the hounds!
The pups piled out and one went straight for my shoe. I was too giddy to do anything but laugh and take photos.  After some boisterous trouble making, Molly came over to keep her pups in line
“What did I tell you guys about roughhousing on the furniture!?”
The pups are also getting teeth so Molly is weaning them. It was hilarious to watch a couple go for milk only to have mom toss them aside. The grow up so fast! 
Ginger, the foster John had when I first visited is still with him. Thirteen and still going strong, but she has seen enough puppies in her time. Ginger was happy to watch from above
Recognize those expressive eyes? That’s Eko’s mom, Goldi. It was fun getting to see the whole gang again
After reveling in the puppy mayhem for a while, John reached down and scooped up the girl he thought would be the best fit.
John with the sweet and playful girl
She was quite content to be passed around and loved
Helen of course promised to give her plenty of treats
And well, in my arms, she was a perfect fit! While I fought the urge to steal her right then and there, she fought the urge to keep her eyes open
I reluctantly put her down and she sauntered over to the dog pile for bedtime
Sweet dreams, I’ll be back soon!
I’m so happy the stars aligned and I had the opportunity to come back for a visit. It was great to see John and remember where it all began three years ago. The adventure begins all over again in just a few weeks! Until then, I get to dream but John probably won’t sleep – the pups still have to get their vaccinations, microchips and health certifications – not to mention all the other work that goes into caring for eight pups.
I have more photos and videos to go through, so there will be plenty more to share as soon as I get back to Chicago. I’m so excited to be so close to turning this dream into a reality!
She is so adorable – and wow, how much fun to go and see and play with 8 pups. Lucky guy! Can’t wait to see more pics
A Pawesome furramily! We are so happy fur youwoowooowoooooooo! Ku and The whole gang
Wonderful. What beautiful pups. I’m so jealous,
So excited for you Will!!!! What a gorgeous litter. My breeder is in Long Island, NY. I wonder if John knows her?? Denise? Keep the precious photos coming. Love to Eko too!!!
One big “Awwwww!!!” from us 😉
How awesome to be able to visit Eko’s mum at the same time! We can’t wait to see the extra pics and such 😀
She/they are wonderful! I can’t wait to see the first pictures of Eko welcoming her — nor can I wait to compete in the who has the cutest puppy category! But not for a few months yet…
momwithoutpaws brought me here to my forever home one year ago this week; She wants another one just like me. If dadwithoutpaws would only say ok she would be at the Humane Society picking up another babywithpaws
This brings back memories of those first visits to my future ridgeback puppies. Such an extraordinary time, and the feeling of holding that new puppy for the first time is such a high.
I also appreciate your words about ethical breeders. You said it very well. They have an important role in helping breeds be strong, with great temperament and as few health issues as possible. And then we also have to support breed rescue, and shelter dogs. I’ve done all of the above.
I really want a ridgeback puppy right now, and I hope that I’ll get my fix through your posts and photos. This is not a time in my life for a puppy!
I hope you can wait the 2-3 weeks until she is old enough for you to bring home. She is one lucky dog. As far as I’m concerned, you can post every hour once she is with you!
How adorable! But no name yet? I’ll bet she gave you a few possibilities, snuggled in your arms. Took us a few days to realize that Steffi WAS Steffi, not Stephanie. Names ARE important. 🙂
Omg Will, I had a smile from ear to ear when I saw the pics you posted. You are a dad Again! Congratulations.
Oh SQUEAL!!! They are so cute and adorable. HOW IN THE WORLD CAN YOU PICK JUST ONE?! Okay, that was my mommy screaming that… then I reminded her about picking just one of me – snorts. Can’t wait for the homecoming my friends. XOXO – Bacon
How absolutely adorable all the pups are…….and Eko’s Mom and Molly and – well – EVERYONE. The little girl you’ll be getting eventually (probably seems like forever!) is simply precious – I love her eyes – that “look”…..even if it’s saying “I’m sleepy” it says “I’m all yours” too! Congratulations…..I know you can’t wait to take her home.
Pam
I’m so excited for you and intend to live vicariously through you as you go through this. We haven’t had a puppy since 1995, yes, it’s been that long. And am very attached to my seniors, so probably won’t go through the puppy mayhem again…but you’re young, so enjoy every second and like I said, I will live vicariously through you 😉
Oh my gosh! I don’t know how you coped with all that cuteness in one room, my heart about exploded just looking at the pictures! Your little girl is just beautiful … not long now!
HUgs, Carrie (Myfie, Ellie and Millie) x
SQUEEEEEEL OMD they are just the cutest 🙂 I want them all. Can’t wait to see ALL the video’s and photo’s xxxoxxxx
Mollie and Alfie
OMG OMG That’s the cutest puppy bundle I’ve ever seen!!! Your little girl is absolutely adorable, I just love those sleepy puppy eyes. 😀 What a bunch of beauties!
She is so CUTE!!! Can’t wait for YOU KNOW WHO to meet her too!! It’ll be a video you will definitely want! Now to come up with a name as good as EKO!! I think John picked you out a good little girl! Good LUCK!
OMG. It’s the puppies!! Can’t wait to see what new adventures Eko and the puppy will go on.
Feeling emotional too!
I’m so happy you got to meet the little girl! She even has a little white blaze on her chest, adorable.
I let out that high pitched squeal as soon as I saw the pictures. Thank-you so much for sharing with all of us. We have a Ridgeback mix that we rescued through an organization here and I’d really love to adopt a purebred. Following you and Eko, and now his sister, through your posts has been wonderful. Eko and his sister are blessed to have you and vice versa too. Congratulations on your new addition. I look forward to watching her grow. 🙂
Our hoomans are puddles melted on the floor right now! Too much cute!!
Mummy says she thinks you should call her Star because the little white patch on her chest looks like a star and whee think she will be a star of the Blogosphere! Have you thought anymore about names? Whee have suggestions now! Ruby. Poppy. Ella. Eve.
Whee are almost as excited as you guys!!
Nacho, Noah, Buddy & Basil
xxxx
I feel your excitement! You have inspired me these past few weeks – I’m going there too! The hunt has begun 🙂
squee! Puppy cuteness overload
I’m jealous.
Puppeh!!!!!
Congratulations on such a special choice to join your family. It will really fulfill Eko, I believe. And, maybe help him to mature as her “big bro”.
Well, if you don’t want to name her Wilko – see how the name “Neko” sounds to you. It’s a very mysterious and female name. But, of course she’ll have to be around for awhile. Heck, Eko may decide on a name for her himself.
Good luck on all the changes going on in your life right now. Most mortals wouldn’t be able to cope, but I know Eko’s human dad will be a hero to all.
Oh my goodness, she is so GORGEOUS! And don’t you just love the way they sleep all piled on top of each other light that. Awww, it brings back memories of when Moo was a little puppy.
Mom literally just melted into a puddle of puppy loving goo…*SIGH*…she can be SO embarrassing sometimes!
We can’t wait to see more pictures…we may need to ration mom though.
Wally & Sammy
Unbelievably cute, she is beautiful! Eko is going to love her. Maybe now you will hsve name inspiration since you got to hold her! I’m really jealous you got to see her before bringing her home…my puppy is in South Africa amd I’m in Malawi so I won’t get to see her till she comes home.
They so cute with their mother! 😉
Ahhh! What a litter of cuties. It musta been so hard to walk away without smuggling her out. I can’t wait to see how Eko reacts! When does she officially come home? And how’s the naming process coming?
Goodness those are some cute pictures! Dogs and puppies all included. So happy you had a chance to hold your new girl in your arms! Eko is going to be a lucky boy to have so much puppy love coming his way! Congrats, Will (and Emily, AND Eko!)
Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Love this, just feels so meant to be! She has no idea how wonderful her life is going to be!!!
What a wonderful day you had! They all are just great! It nearly broke my heart as I visited Easy’s breeder the first time and we went home without him. But I fortunately was wise enough to wait till we had our house ready. (Easy’s dad turned the car two times to get the pup on that day. )
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!
What beautiful puppies and your little one is adorable. Eko’s mom is beautiful and those eyes, oh, my do they speak to you. I am so excited for you all! Hugs and nose kisses
She is cute!
oh my I am so excited you are really getting Eko a sister 🙂
So sweet! Enjoy the “normal” life for the next few weeks because she will throw a serious curve ball into life, but it will be so fun! Congratulations!
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see her and Eko together 🙂
Ohhh she is GORGEOUS! I LOVE the white blaze on her chest! So beautiful!!!!! I was at BlogPaws and just got home last night and missed this!!