Interacting with the Big Kids

Some pictures from yesterday and this morning...

We believe that pups learn about life rules best from interacting with the pack from a very early age. We do try to keep things successful though...By removing crabby Auntie Jess for instance and all the cool, fuzzy puppy toys that the big kids covet !

Spur is fascinated with Vince !

Grandma Pat. We're not sure if she was actually looking for interaction or leftovers!

The pups enjoyed their first breakfast: Venison mixed with Dr. B's homemade puppy formula.

Vince got his very own portion, which he scarfed down quickly!

Last night's duck necks.

I sure hope it stops snowing and I can get the pups outdoors! The pups need some good old Vitamin D...And I need to wash the floor under their mats!

Quick Vince Update and More

Pics/Video tomorrow, promise! What a miserable day today - snow!

Anyway, Vince has hit 2.5 lbs, so I think is past the difficult bit. I am still supplementing him with puppy formula in a saucer 4x per day, and making sure that the instant Tap goes in to nurse, he's first one to the milk bar. The pups are getting duck necks each evening, but they don't have any teeth yet so can't really do too much damage, much to Tap's delight (she gets clean up duty). Tap is up to eating 4.5 lbs of food per day, PLUS those extras! She has lots of milk, but I expect will have less patience as her kids begin to cut their teeth.

All the pups were dewormed earlier this week (with Strongid T), as I actually saw a roundworm in some puppy poop. Yuck. This is the first time I've seen worms in our puppies' poops, and not sure why, as we did nothing different with Tap this time around (Panacur day 53 of pregnancy for 3 days). Perhaps it is the early spring and all the yummy sheep poop (and other things) Tap has been eating...While I use chemicals sparingly, I am not about to let the puppies suffer from a parasite infestation! I did do some research into deworming with DE (Dia...something something Earth), as a lot of the raw feeding lists I am on suggest this natural way to kill parasites, but more reading suggested that it is not indicated for very small animals and since they didn't give me the definition of "very small", I opted for the proven method.

Everyone had their nails clipped again tonight...Nobody fussed except #6, who decided that it was NOT the time for that, but for playing! All the pups are actively playing with each other, Big Sister Fen and even Pat had a little session tonight with her grandkids. They still pretty much only see the toys I have put in their pen as items to pee on, but I'm sure as their motor skills improve, their interest in the purple teddy bear will too :)

Tomorrow I will introduce the pups to a little bit of lean ground venison.

Lots of New Firsts...

First time outdoors...First *real* playing (including tail wagging and play growling)...First RMB (Raw Meaty Bone)...

The outdoor pen...They pretty much don't do anything but sleep, so one Xpen is working fine. When they are all cruising around, I'll have to double it up for sure! The blanket is providing some wind break, not much judging by the holes! Tap guarded the puppy pen ferociously the first few hours, but relaxed when she realized nobody was going to interfere...Except Fen, who tried several times to get in, only to be severely reprimanded from her mother! But she was allowed in the indoor pen this evening, so her privileges are being extended!

We also had a scare yesterday - when Vince got on the scale, it showed that he had lost weight and was indeed feeling bony. Not good, but not as bad at this age than if he was a neonate. Today we ensured he got extra one on one time with mom and also gave him a couple of saucers (he refused the bottle "I'm a BIG kid now!") of homemade formula/supplement (from Dr. Billinghurst's Grow Your Pups with Bones). At dinner time, he got his own portion of duck neck. Tonight's weigh in showed a 2 oz gain. He is still tiny compared with his siblings, but pretty strong and feisty, as you can see in the video. He does still fall down a lot, while his siblings are getting sturdier, but we are still optimistic!

New Digs!

The puppies have moved down to the dog room with the big kids. I haven't got them outdoors yet - too cold and windy lately! Hopefully today...

The puppy pen...Tap has a bed on top of one of the crates so she can get away from the kids when needed.

Fen, Gem and Blaze - "I'll take what's behind curtain #1..."

At first, we keep things private until Tap feels more comfortable that nobody is going to hurt her babies!

Over the next day or so, we gradually move some of the blankets back so the adult dogs can safely meet and get used to the new kids....Fen can't WAIT until she's allowed in! See Tap's teeth....Fen is NOT welcome yet!

Yay! Finally allowed in! Here's Fen with #5..."Hello, little brother. You're going to grow up and look just like me!" (his face anyhow..)

Above and Below: Fen & her little bro #5

Above: Puppy #2 and "friend"

Pooped puppies...As opposed to poopy puppies, which they are fast becoming! Mom still doing clean up, but the work load is getting bigger!

#6 needs a face wash!

Hmm - More of #2...She is just always in the perfect "pose"!

A typical, upside down Creekside puppy (Puppy #1 is a professional napper!)

Day 19 Portraits

A day late...But here they are, as promised!

Puppy #1 (Boy) Likes his naps but man did he NOT want to pose for this portrait!

Puppy #2 (Girl) - Playful and thoughtful...Thinking about the best way out of the box!

Puppy #3 (Girl) - The "Screamer" is not anymore! She is lively and bold and playful - often exploring the puppy room's far reaching corners (ie - behind the toilet) Is this our Fen repeat?

Vince Van Gogh (#4 - Boy) - So calm when you hold him and he looks right in your eyes...Getting along pretty good now - I think his balance is getting better and he sure is a determined little guy when it comes to the Milk Bar!

Puppy #5 (Boy) - Sweet little guy who is obviously saving his energy for a later date. He and #1 are often found napping together, although both have gone on major expeditions around the puppy room.

Puppy #6 (Girl) - Sweet #6 would like to tell you her life story...Such a chatterbox!

All have hit and passed the 2 lb mark with the three big girls probably hitting 3 lbs by tonight's weigh in. They have already met "Uncle Greg" (who owns Creekside Max - 2004 Pat x Glen) and today will spend a bit of time outdoors in a sunny spot out of the wind. I'll try to get pics for next post!

Quick Update...

The pups are growing like crazy! All are staggering about on their stubby legs and the girls have all started playing - saw #6's tail wag today! #2 makes the cutest little growly noises and #3 - who was so shy/scared as a newborn is bold as brass...Now when she yells it's because she's mad!

The boys seem content with letting the girls rule to roost...#1 is very fond of napping, as is sweet #5. Vince has only one thing on his mind - MILK BAR. I think he's an addict...Needs AA or something :)

Pics tomorrow - promise!

You've probably seen the video - but here is big sister Fen out training on her sheep a few weeks ago. She's just two and is very near ready for Open!

Week Three Adventures

Everyone is gaining weight - #1 hit the 2 lb mark, and Vince weighed in at 1 lb 13.5 oz last night. Only #1 has yet to fully open both his eyes, but he is almost there! By the end of this week, or early next week, they will have moved to their new living quarters in the dog room and will begin meeting the rest of the pack. Big sister Fen (2008 litter) has been waiting patiently for the puppies to move downstairs, but I'm sure Jess and Kap will have ideas about moving OUT once they move in!

Photos back soon...But for now, some more edge of your seat videos!

Bobbleheads!

Good news for Vince (#4) - he has hit the 1 and a half pound mark! His eyes are opening and he seems to be getting his bearings!

ENS will end in about one more day - most of the pups' eyes are open or almost open! They are staggering about on their wobbly legs and acting very surprised at most everything - especially #3 - I think she'd like to close her eyes again and crawl back into the womb...Big scary world! She'll get over it!

Sorry for the lack of lighting - puppy room is dark to protect their delicate eyes until they are fully open.

Enjoy! Music by Prydein a local New England band.

Day 10 Photos

Puppy Wheel

Little Tan Bums (they are all tri's)

At the Milk Bar

Puppies at 10 days old (photos taken yesterday)

Puppy #1 (boy)

Puppy #2 (girl) - getting strong tan accents on her cheeks and eyebrows!

Puppy #3 (girl) - yesterday she was finally quiet for the ENS exercises!

Van Gogh (#4 boy)

Puppy #5 (boy)

Puppy #6 (girl)

Tap watching the goings on

On Monday, they all had their nails clipped for the first time. I'm sure I missed some, but they were so squirmy - like toothpaste. Perhaps one more photo session before their eyes start to crack open, then no flash photography for about a week. THEN you'll all really see big changes!

Keep fingers crossed for our little Van Gogh - he hasn't gained much weight the past few days...Even #1 has now surpassed him in weight. He seems to be rolling around a bit out of control like - hopefully just getting disoriented with the possible new "light" he is beginning to see through his eye slits. I have a feeling his balance is somewhat affected by his lack of ear on his right side. Only time will tell if he can grow up to enjoy a normal life.

A nice photo heavy makeup post!

Sorry all - I've been neglecting the blog for the past couple of days. I am so worried about #4 that I am scared that we'll all get to know him and then he'll get a poor prognosis for normality...

He is thriving, gaining weight and seems to be normal...He does topple over to one side more than the other, but he does have a big head :) (Inherited from granddad Glen perhaps?) We continue to watch him closely.

They have all been gaining steadily and are the squirmiest, liveliest litter I think I've had. Not sure what THAT means!!

Portraits on Day 8

Sweet Wee Man #1 (weight yesterday at 9:40 pm: 1 lb)

#2 girl - a Reef Peat only in looks - calm girl! Weight yesterday: 1 lb 6 oz)

#3 girl - not screaming for this photo...(Weight yesterday: 1 1/2 lbs)
But screaming for this one!

(#3 yelling)

#4 - our little Van Gogh (Weight yesterday: 1 lb 3.5 oz)

Adorable little #5 Boy. Weight yesterday: 1 lb 5 oz

#6 Beautiful Girl. Weight yesterday at 9:40 1 lb 6 oz

Another "Edge of Your Seat Action" video from this morning:

Already getting behind!!!

Seems like when it rains, it pours....The weather too!!

Here is yesterday's post, a day late!!

Day 5: April 8, 9:30 pm

Weights/ENS "scale"

#1 - 13.5 oz / 2
#2 - 1 lb 2 oz / 3
#3 - 1 lb 5 oz / 5
#4 - 1 lb 1 oz / 2
#5 - 1 lb / 2
#6 - 1 lb 1 oz / 2

And, because I don't believe in keeping secrets...There is a problem with puppy #4. His ear is underdeveloped. We don't know what this means, if he will be normal not or what we will do about it. He is too young to really assess the situation. My vet says, if he's thriving to not do anything drastic just yet. Positive thoughts to #4 please!

Here's a pic of Puppy #4's right ear...It appears to either be "tucked under the skin" and / or not fully developed. We don't yet know if he is affected neurologically or if his balance will be affected. We are waiting and hoping that he can live a normal, happy life in an active pet home!

And a happy photo of mommy Tap feeding her brood

Soon, there will be another puppy blog to follow! David informs us that Creekside Cait is finally is season and will be bred again to Joyce Frederick's Imp. Marley Trim.

Day 4 - Get your Popcorn

Um, don't bother.

Instead of photos (they are too squirmy today) here is a little video of the puppies at the milk bar.

Weights / ENS "scale" at 6:30 pm

#1: 12 oz; "2"
#2: 15 oz; "3"
#3: 1 lb 3 oz; "3"
#4: 1 lb; "1"
#5: 14 oz; "2"
#6: 1 lb; "2"

First ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) Exercises

This is yesterday's post...I was too tired last night to get it uploaded! This poor stray dog we've taken in - we cannot find his owner and now believe he was dumped. A reminder to keep your microchip information up to date on your dogs!!!

I tried to "pose" the puppies but soon gave up. Holy cow they were feisty and MAD last night. I suspect mom spent most of the day looking out the window at the other dogs enjoying the nice weather. Poor Tap. Today she gets a little leash walk, so that's something at least. I wanted to let her insides recover before she began any sort of exercise other than meandering about the yard.

I am going to "rate" the puppies' responses to the ENS just for fun! Like puppy testing, depending on the time of day, responses change so it means nothing AT ALL, just fun to monitor! 1 = barely noticed; 5 = REALLY struggled. Remember, they were hungry and mad last night when I did this! I am going to do it today at noon to see if there's a difference!

The names they have in their intros are not really names, I'll still most likely be calling them numbers...Just fun to label them. They WILL change in looks and personality (well, I hope so, right now they have the personality of blind mice). See if you can figure out why they might have earned the titles they got. Most are obvious, I think!

Introducing.....

Puppy #1 (male) "The Wee Man"

Weight (on April 6 at 8:30 pm): 10 oz; ENS scale "5"

Puppy #2 (female) "The Reef-peat"

Weight: 13 oz; ENS scale: "3"

Puppy #3 (female) "The Backwards Girl"

Weight: 1 lb, 1 oz; ENS scale: Umm...Off the charts :)

Puppy #4 (male) "The Chiplet"

Weight: 15 oz; ENS scale "3"

Puppy #5 (male) "Patty's Boy"

Weight: 13 oz, ENS scale "2"

Puppy #6 " 'Nef Said!"

Day 2 - Puppies thriving

Tap's taking care of things, so there is not much for me to do at present...Tomorrow we start the ENS exercises...By the struggles I had today on the scale, I expect it will go *very* well (NOT!)

The brood in the puppy bed while I clean the whelping box.

"Mom's back!"

Weights today: #1 - 9 oz; #2 - 11 oz; #3 - 15 ounces; #4 - 13 ounces; #5 - 10.5 ounces; #6 - 13 ounces. All gaining (obviously some get the back teats more often!)