Nothing in the world is quite so thrilling as bringing a new life into your home and raising it as part of your family.
No, we are not talking about human babies, but animal ones, in this case, puppies.
But like human babies, there is so much to do, more so in fact.
From potty training, shots, spaying/neutering, you name it and it needs doing.
There is a schedule to these things though, a time and place for it all to happen.
Just like with a human baby, you simply cannot rush it.
Ideally, Winslow has to stay with his mom for a certain amount of time before it is safe to take him home with you.
A majority of reputably acquired puppies are taken home only after the age of at least eight weeks.
Any time sooner than that, and the puppies (to say nothing of yourself) are opened up to all manner of potential unpleasantness.
Antibodies, Vitamins and Giving Winslow a Strong Immune System The milk Winslow gets from his mom is full of antibodies and vitamins, things he needs in order to make it through his first few weeks of life as an adorable ball of fur.
Without those boosts to his immune system, he would be severely compromised later on and you could find yourself with a sickly guy.
While it 'is' possible for a human to take up where Winslow's mom left off, it is a time consuming and laborious process that simply is not for everyone.
After all, let us face it, some people are just unfit parents, regardless of the species.
Sadly, some people tend to discount baby animals simply because they do not look like us, but rest assured that they need every bit as much love and attention as your own flesh and blood would.
Should you find yourself in the position of caring for a puppy less than four weeks old, you will need to feed him from a dropper, whilst he is still suckling.
Additionally, you have make very certain that he stays inside where it is warm, dry and safe.
Indeed before his first set of shots, he ought to not even venture outside.
Far too often, unscrupulous owners have let their mother dogs wander free, or they find themselves pushed forcibly out of the house when the owner can't take care of the 'unexpected' brood.
There is only so much that the mom can do in this case, and often the puppies are at as great a risk from the elements as they are from predators and even us in our cars.
If you are raising Winslow as a pre-weaned boy, make certain his environment is clean and comfortable - even more than you would for an older puppy because if he leaves his mom too early, he will need that extra protection to keep him safe.
Conversely, if you are adopting a pre-weaned boy, you should find out just why he is being put up for adoption so early, when his young life has just barely begun.
It is disappointing but sometimes it happens that the dame does not know what to do or simply wants nothing to do with her offspring.
This can sometimes happen when dogs are homeless.
Having to survive and help the strongest ones thrive, means she instinctually pushes out the runt.
It is at times like that when a reliable owner can step in and do what needs doing by rearing the pup on their own or making certain that he gets into a good home where he will get the very best care he needs.
If you are willing and able to devote the time and effort needed to care for Winslow as a pre-weaned puppy, you may find that your bond with him is far greater than it would be otherwise.
About the only thing on the plus side of raising a pre-weaned puppy is noted above.
Dogs and cats must be socialized early and often as puppies and kittens.
Those who aren't often go by way of the feral route.
A pre-weaned puppy whom you have taken into your home may not be as strong as his siblings, he will be utterly sociable, which is not a bad trade off, if you are willing to put forth the effort to maintain his health.
After all, you have appointed yourself his surrogate mother and he will doubtless realize that.
Treat him right and this little guy will grow up adoring you to pieces.
And be honest, would you have it any other way?