Bonnie Blue becomes one of brood

Bonnie Blue Butler of Charleston was born in Enid, Okla., on Feb. 4. She is one of 13 puppies born to Lexi and Jake, chocolate Labs that belong to my son (Jason) and daughter-in-law (Katie). Being the runt of the litter, Bonnie would never have made it (at least I like to think so) without the help of her human grandmother.

Because Jason and Katie both work, I flew out to Oklahoma to help with the puppies.

The two weeks I spent being a puppy au pair were the most rewarding and fun experiences I have had in a long time.

Lexi did the best she could with her first litter, but unfortunately could feed only eight puppies at a time. Since this was my first litter, too, I found out there's a lot more to taking care of puppies than I imagined. We had to switch puppies during feeding so the little ones could get enough mother's milk while also supplementing them through bottle feeding.

I think Lexi knew she couldn't take care of all those puppies by herself, so she would bring me a puppy to feed. She'd jump up on the bed and deposit a puppy; she'd drop a puppy off by my feet when I was sitting; even when I left the house, there would be a puppy waiting for me when I got home. Everywhere I went there was a puppy for me. Bonnie, the runt, seemed to need the most attention, as Lexi continuously gave her to me to feed. Needless to say, I fell in love. As they got older, we started filling small plates so they would all have enough to eat. So funny with milk all over their faces, feet and bodies.

I was there long enough to see their eyes open, such beautiful blue eyes, hence Bonnie Blue Butler of Charleston. Of course, they didn't stay that way. A few days before I left, they started to walk or stagger around the kitchen. What a sight, 13 puppies running all over the place, squeaking, growling and trying hard to bark. When Bonnie was old, enough Jason and Katie flew into Charleston to bring her to me.

Bonnie is growing like a weed and having fun with her brother (Bandit) and sister (Abbie), both rescue dogs.

Just to let everyone know, all 13 puppies found great homes. One is now living in Spain.

Marguerite Getz

Mount Pleasant

Compiled by Brenda Rindge. Got a pet? Tell us about it. We want to tell your stories and run your pictures of Rover, Boots and even Ziggy on our Pets page. If it's furry, feathered or slithery, and you love it, tell us why in 250 words or less. If it's a hero, tell us. If it's a "character," share the antics. Send pictures (in JPEG format via e-mail) or a hard copy by snail mail that you don't need returned). We'll publish the most interesting, the cutest and the weirdest, but no poetry and no letters from your dog or cat.Submit by e-mail to pets@postandcourier.com or mail to Pets, The Post and Courier, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, SC 29403-4800. Always include your name, address and a daytime phone number.

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