Schapendoes of Messy Hair Kennels

The Muppets Have Arrived: Chaos, Courage, and Eleven Tiny Miracles

If you’ve noticed things have been a little quiet on the homestead lately, it’s because life here has been anything but. “Lively” is the polite word for it. “Chaotic, adorable, and powered almost entirely by love” is probably more accurate. Because this week, our hearts—and our household—expanded in the most dramatic way possible.

It all began on June 19th, when Trinica went into labor, determined to do things the old‑fashioned way. She delivered her first tiny girl at 10:55, and we celebrated… until we realized something wasn’t quite right. After an hour of watching her try her absolute best, we made the call no one wants to make: pack up mom, baby, supplies, snacks, emotional support, and head straight to the vet.

Halfway there, Trinica—ever the overachiever—delivered a second little girl in the car. But by then, she was exhausted. When we arrived, the clinic team moved like a well‑oiled machine. It quickly became clear she needed surgery, and fast. While the OR was prepped, the newborns got a quick snack, and we held onto hope like our lives depended on it.

Watching her being taken away was gut‑wrenching. We were terrified we’d gotten there too late. But soon the doctor returned with answers: Trinica’s calcium had dropped dangerously low—apparently her body took one look at the size of this litter and said, “Absolutely not.” Surgery was the only safe option, and getting her there when we did made all the difference.

Then came the moment we’ll be telling at family gatherings forever: the sound of tiny cries echoing down the hallway. Puppy after puppy after puppy. A technician emerged grinning—nine more babies, six boys and three girls, all healthy and loud enough to file noise complaints. They rolled in an incubator full of wiggling, squeaking miracles. We added their two sisters, and just like that, our family of eleven was complete.

Life With Eleven Muppets

Since that dramatic debut, our home has been a whirlwind of squeaks, cuddles, and the occasional theatrical flop. The puppies are thriving—truly thriving. A few have already doubled their birth weight. Last week they were between 190–300 grams; today they’re all over 450 grams and growing like they have somewhere important to be.

Their daily schedule is simple and deeply effective: squeak, eat, sleep, toilet, repeat. Their eyes should open this week, at which point they will begin judging us with tiny, unimpressed stares.

And yes, they now have their names. We committed fully to the Muppets theme, because of course we did.

The Boys

• Gonzo
• Scooter
• Fozzie
• Kermit
• Beaker
• Sprocket

The Girls

• Skeeter
• Annie Sue
• Camilla
• Miss Piggy
• Janice

We’re not saying this is the greatest ensemble cast ever assembled… but we’re also not not saying it.

And How’s Trinica?

Recovering beautifully—and rediscovering her comedic timing.

She still needs calcium injections, but her silly side has returned in full force. She has attempted to claim the smallest puppy bed (despite being, you know, not a small puppy). She continues her lifelong mission to bury her food. And she remains passionately committed to digging as a lifestyle choice.

Watching her bounce around the whelping room, proud of her babies and occasionally baffled by them, has been a joy.

Full Hearts, Full House

It’s been a busy week, a messy week, and a week filled with more love than sleep. We’re helping Trinica feed and clean her eleven tiny Muppets, and giving her all the love she deserves. The puppies are thriving, gaining weight, testing out their impressive lungs, and filling our home with tiny squeaks and tinier cuddles.

It’s chaotic. It’s wonderful. And honestly? We wouldn’t change a thing.