Puppy Eyes

The puppies eyes have started to open. No.1 (T-bone) and No. 3 (Belly Boy) are the first. I haven't taken any pictures this evening because it is getting dark. I will try to take some pictures tomorrow in the natural light.

However, I do have a couple of pictures I would like to share.

Following is a picture my good friend Gayla took of me and my pups on day four. Everyone has grown a lot since this picture was taken, but I think it is the best picture yet of me, and I wanted to share.

I don't know quite how to describe the following picture. Millie is one of my pack mates. She is an almost all white border collie (David calls her "unique"). At any rate she has apparently decided to adopt her own puppies.

Don't know how to break it to her but these ones definitely aren't border collies. I feel the irresistible urge to "walk up" --- must be my hormones.

Day 10

Over a few hours this morning, all of the puppies learned to stand up on all four legs. It started with No. 2 (who by noon was even able to take a few steps before crashing). Pretty amazing (and scary) to see this happening. When I enter the whelping box now they're getting to me much faster!

They are all becoming little individuals. No. 4 gave me a kiss on the nose this morning (unfortunately I didn't have the camera handy to record that special moment). No. 3, as my only boy, cuddles with me a lot and likes to stick his nose in my ear. I don't mind that a bit --- he's figured out how to wrap his Mom around his little paw. No. 1 lets out a little trill when I come back to the whelping box for feeding and sleeping --- she's my happy girl. No. 2 is the athlete - she has my legs.

Their eyes and ears are still a few days away from opening.

In other news, I was out for a long walk with David, Silken and Faolin at daybreak. We've had a lot of coyote activity around here lately so there were lots of interesting smells in the woods. I love the walks --- but I love being a Mom as well and rush back to my pups as soon as we return.

Puppy #1

Puppy #1 now weighs 967 grams (2.1 pounds). She has increased her weight by 140% since birth.

Puppy #2

Puppy #2 now weighs 974 grams (2.2 pounds). She has increased her weight by 105% since birth.

Puppy #3

Puppy #3 now weighs 1,012 grams (or 2.2 pounds). He has increased his weight by 130% since birth.

Puppy #4 (cuddling with No. 2)

Puppy #4 now weighs 1113 grams (or 2.4 pounds). She has increased her weight 130% since birth.

One Week Old

My pups have made it to the one week mark. I am able to spend more time out of the whelping box, and the pups are learning to cope with my more frequent absences. When I return, they love to eat and then curl up on my legs for some cuddle time. I must admit that those moments are my favourite.

Everyone was weighed today:

#1 - 788 grams (1.7 pounds) up 95% since birth.

#2 - 778 grams (1.7 pounds) up 62% since birth.

#3 - 823 grams (1.8 pounds) up 91% since birth.

#4 - 890 grams (almost 2 pounds) up 82% since birth.

It won't be too many more days until my pups eyes and ears open. Soon they will be walking (and climbing and barking) and then all bets will be off.

As I embark on this new stage, I am resolved to approach my important mothering tasks with the quiet calm (and authority) that I try to bring to all tasks in life. However, you might hear some complaints from me over the coming weeks and for that I will ask both your indulgence and understanding. I'm certain my pups can't be any more difficult than pack mate Faolin, who has taught me more about patience (and indulgence) than any other living creature.

Waiting for Tap's Puppies

Wake us up when there is some news.

Number 2 (Sticky) went "over the top (of Mom)" today. She was at Mom's back and climbed over (rather than going under) to get to the diner. Early predictions? Sticky will be the first to climb out of the whelping box.

Day 4 - Getting Caught Up on My Sleep

I can confirm that all pups are tri-colors. Sticky (No. 2) has a few brown hairs coming out on her cheeks. Millie Jr. (No. 4) has the brindled cheeks (just like me) and tan eyebrows.

Last night I had 3 1/2 hours of uninterrupted sleep. It was a devine experience.

My pups are getting into a good routine. I was able to go for a walk through the woods with Silken, Faolin and David this morning and it was wonderful. Unfortunately didn't find any rotting deer hides (although I looked high and low) like Momma Pat and sister Tap.