Jill (Ch Tesouro's Black Magic, RN) 11/2/2002 - 6/2/2015
AKA: JillyPooh, JillyBean, the Bean, BeabieBaby, the Mama, the Queen, JillytheBull, MeanJillyBean, the Mama's Mama, the black one
I haven't been up to writing this until now and I'm crying as I type. I can't talk about it yet without bursting in to tears.
My precious JillyBean arrived safely at the Georgie project this morning. We don't yet know exactly what kind of cancer she had, but it appeared to be a fast growing invasinve soft tissue carcinoma. We had been treating her torn/ruptured attachment of her rectus abdominus when she suddenly had new growths sprouting daily. Her recent bloodwork was very good so I thought maybe the large lump on her outer hip/thigh was regrowth of atrophied muscle but further signs indicated otherwise. The vet who has been doing acupuncture/acupuncture confirmed that it was a cancerous mass last Friday.
We tried to keep her pain free and happy and she was for the most part but there were signs of some breakthrough pain and we had to add an appetite stimulant to keep her eating. She lost vision in one eye and had more trouble moving around and Tuesday afternoon it was pretty obvious that she was losing her qualtiy of life pretty rapidly and significantly so we gave her her favorite things for dinner, took her out for a little free range plank walking and then hung out on the pool table eating stinky steak and squirty cheese while she went to sleep. Thank goodness for the vet making house calls! I curled up with her on the pool table and cuddled her while she got her last shot and slipped away. Dog Cindi, Chris, Jennifer (the vet) and I got her ready to travel to Georgie.
She had 10 wonderful years with us - we got her on Jack's 3rd birthday (she was 2 1/2) because every little boy needs a dog. She had VERY different ideas about whose dog she was going to be, and although we started off with bonding her to Bruce, he left for a pre-scheduled trip to Scoltand and Ireland a couple of weeks after she came here and she was firmly entrenched as the Mama's dog by the time he returned.
She also changed her name almost immediately. She didn't acknowledge her old name much at all and the morning after we brought her home, I was singing the nursery rhyme about Jack and Jill going up the hill as we were walking up the hill to the pond. I often sang it to Jack as we went up there but Jill became VERY animated during that and every time I said Jill afterward. Apparently Jill was supposed to be her name so that's what it became (with many variations)
She came in the house and immediately changed the rules about dogs on the furniture (prior to that I spent a LOT of time sitting in the floor with Jack) and while she wasn't getting into anything on the pool table, she levitated herself there to lie down n comfort - a trait she passed on the her offsrping.
She was a lovely bitch and had an incredible floating trot - she could trot fast or slow or medium but it was really hard to get her to do anything BUT trot. She carried herself like royalty and we have many group pictures of the dogs with everyone else lying down and Jilly sitting (nobody's head can be higher that the Queen's).
After we showed her to her conformation championship, we eventually bred her. It was no mean feat getting her to wait until WE decided she should have puppies (she had had an unplanned litter before we got her and could open doorknobs - not levers knobs - on rooms that opened in toward her after she had opened the crate she was in) but she was a WONDERFUL mother. She took such good care of her puppies that we were afraid she would try to take over SammieDoodlebug's puppies when it was her turn. Instead, the BeanieBaby just provided security and backup care for her daughters' litters including contributing food (throwing up and then teachng them how to eat chicken and then teaching them how NOT to take chicken from a grown dog) and teaching manners.
She extended her lessons in deportment to dogs outside the family and her mothering skills to human babies and children she encountered. She would let kids walk her endlessly around the room or a yard on a leash, she NEVER pulled on a leash. She could be trembling and screaming with excitement and anticipation of running back on the hill but you could hold her leash with a pinky and she didn't pull. She has at leat one grandchild who inherited that trait without ever being trained to it so I think perhaps it was just intrinsically Jill.
Because she was so laid back compared to Jack, most people thought she was well trained. She just had the humans well trained. Granted, the only times she ever counter surfed were when she had puppies (she took a roll for one litter and a plate of bacon wrapped steaks for the other- she had to go through the pass through window into the kitchen for those - and she took both prizes to her puppies an ddoled out the booty) but she had no interest in obedience. Why whould she stay or wait when she could be with the Mama? Gates and walls meant nothing to her if I was on the other side (she went over a 52 inch block wall to be with me once.) If she didn't want to do something she either melted into a puddle of limp dog or put on the brakes and became JillyTheBull wiht her head lowered and hr feet planted. She either got her way or I picked her up and carried her (which she adored.) She could turn her big ole head jus the right way and you'd pull her previously snig collar off while she stood rooted to her spot so that was the only way to win the battle.
She barked at the doorbell and when I bought a wireles version so I could practice a different behavior when teh doorbell rang, she NVEVER once barked at the wireless one so that plan was wasted.
She's left a huge hole in my life even as I am speding time with her daughter and grandchildren. I'm trying to comfort myself with the knowledge of the other families that are experiencing the joy of her offspring and their offspring but I still miss my JillyPooh. She was a great bitch.
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Saturday, May 30, 2015
May 30, 2015 It's all over
...but the crying and the cleaning up and packing away (and some paperwork, we are waiting on registered names for a couple of puppies). Millie (Vespu) and Atticus (Green Hornet) have gone to their new homes this week and are settling in well.
They've all been doing great in their crates from the first night so I guess my efforts were fruitful.
The pupsters are devoting their not insignificant efforts into wrapping the families (including the other dogs) around their little dew claws. I suspect they will be highly successful. They certainly were with me! I miss the black one ;-)
They've all been doing great in their crates from the first night so I guess my efforts were fruitful.
The pupsters are devoting their not insignificant efforts into wrapping the families (including the other dogs) around their little dew claws. I suspect they will be highly successful. They certainly were with me! I miss the black one ;-)
Monday, May 18, 2015
May 18, 2015 Weekend Pupdate and 11 weeks old!
Thursday, the 3 remaining pupsters (Honey, Millie/Vespu, and Atticus/Green Hornet) loaded up in Irv and took a little road trip. Another trip with no puking - yay us! They waited pretty patiently while I set up the ex pen 'yard' outside the door and put down the rugs.
They watched the world go by and played and romped together. I gave them chewies and although I gave them each one, they played chase and keep away with them in between chewing, just the usual puppy games.
LeAnne and Caly came up in the evening and the MSU went home ot take care of the big dogs who stayed home (including Mama Bela). Caly still prefers them one on one or on the other side of the fence. She will tell them to stop biting her if she absolutely has to but she prefers to retreat.
Friday morning, Cindi brought Phoebe (Pink) and Armada up. Poor Phoebe did NOT have a carsick free trip so she got a bath not long after arriving. She was MUCH more into chewing the chewies and did not appreciate the other puppies trying to play with her with them. We worked it out and she remembered how to play well with the others. Armada and Caly romped and wrestled in the RV well clear of puppy teeth.
We did not have wifi and it's difficult to type on iffen (especially with puppies to watch) so the rest of the weekend is not necessarily in the order in which it occurred.
They watch Caly be groomed with the clippers and her hair blown out. They saw me blow leaves back out of the 'yard' with the dryer and tried to catch things blowing around. They saw horses (we carried them over to get close) including a 2 week old foal (I don't know if it was colt or filly) but it did take advantage of the puppy visit to nurse. There were RVs and tractors and Gators (the vehicles not the critters) and earth moving equipment (think there was a backhoe and some others but I'm going strictly by sounds). And all kinds on dogs. They were very interested in watching things but when they were tired, they plopped over and went to sleep just like they do at home.
Part of them shared a crate since there isn't that much space in an RV for 3 people, 4 puppies and 2 dogs. I did keep Honey in her own crate since she was going home next.
Saturday, we took advantage of there being a CERF clinid nearby and I had Millie's eye rechecked to see if the retinal fold there at 8 weeks was gone yet. The ophthalmology vet at their initial appointment said that it was something puppies occasionally had and it shoud go away so I wanted to see if it was improving. It WAS improving, to the point that it is not there. So I felt very good about my decision to spend the money for that information (I like to KNOW things.) If we ever have another puppy with that, I'll have an idea about it. That's another thing that amazes be about how quickly things change in puppies. 11 weeks ago, they were pretty small little bundles without real eyes or ears and now they are mobile little buggers with a mouthful of little needle teeth who can hear me from a great distance.
Saturday evening, we shaved their little muzzles. It srtarted offf with Lenne holding and CIndi shaving but eventually I had to hold. Atticus/Green Hornet was the absolute best for it. He didn't fight or squirm or protest, just let her take all of that pesky hair , and his whiskers ;-( off. Against all odds they became even more adorable.
Sunday, it rained most of the morning. The little water dogs didn't care and they enjoyed getting wet (and dirty imo). The awning covered most of their area but they played all around. About 9am they wre settling down for a nap so I brought them into the crate while I worked on packing/cleaning things up in preparation for the trip home.
The MSU brought Bela with him and they all talked to her through the ex pen (so they couldn't nurse). She was very happy to see them and Cindi was happy to see her.
Cindi took Bela, Phoebe, Atticus and Millie home with her while we took Honey to her new people. They were in Columbus for a family event and since we were that close, they flew her home with them instead of making a separate trip to Huntington again later. She is going to live with er Aunt Cleo (Bela's littermate) and her humans ;-) It's a sad ride back without any puppies in the vehicle but we picked Millie and Atticus up on our way home. i think CIndi was as happy for me to get them as I was to get them. She kept mentioning she didn't know how I do it because 3 puppies were hard for her to keep up with at once. (My big secrets are constant vigilance and I let the other bitches help; the Mama, the aunt, and the Mama's Mama are a lot of help.)
The puppies seemed happy to be back home again and SammieDoodlebug was thrilled to see them as well as me. Jack tolerated them touching him to see me and Jill checked them out gently through the pen since she is still on light duty.
I have a lot of laundry to do from the weekend and need to finish unpacking Irv plus I am determined to do my fingernails (it's been weeks and I can't stand it any longer) in between playing with the puppies and wait for a report on Honey's flight home.
Puppy breath to all
They watched the world go by and played and romped together. I gave them chewies and although I gave them each one, they played chase and keep away with them in between chewing, just the usual puppy games.
LeAnne and Caly came up in the evening and the MSU went home ot take care of the big dogs who stayed home (including Mama Bela). Caly still prefers them one on one or on the other side of the fence. She will tell them to stop biting her if she absolutely has to but she prefers to retreat.
Friday morning, Cindi brought Phoebe (Pink) and Armada up. Poor Phoebe did NOT have a carsick free trip so she got a bath not long after arriving. She was MUCH more into chewing the chewies and did not appreciate the other puppies trying to play with her with them. We worked it out and she remembered how to play well with the others. Armada and Caly romped and wrestled in the RV well clear of puppy teeth.
We did not have wifi and it's difficult to type on iffen (especially with puppies to watch) so the rest of the weekend is not necessarily in the order in which it occurred.
They watch Caly be groomed with the clippers and her hair blown out. They saw me blow leaves back out of the 'yard' with the dryer and tried to catch things blowing around. They saw horses (we carried them over to get close) including a 2 week old foal (I don't know if it was colt or filly) but it did take advantage of the puppy visit to nurse. There were RVs and tractors and Gators (the vehicles not the critters) and earth moving equipment (think there was a backhoe and some others but I'm going strictly by sounds). And all kinds on dogs. They were very interested in watching things but when they were tired, they plopped over and went to sleep just like they do at home.
Part of them shared a crate since there isn't that much space in an RV for 3 people, 4 puppies and 2 dogs. I did keep Honey in her own crate since she was going home next.
Saturday, we took advantage of there being a CERF clinid nearby and I had Millie's eye rechecked to see if the retinal fold there at 8 weeks was gone yet. The ophthalmology vet at their initial appointment said that it was something puppies occasionally had and it shoud go away so I wanted to see if it was improving. It WAS improving, to the point that it is not there. So I felt very good about my decision to spend the money for that information (I like to KNOW things.) If we ever have another puppy with that, I'll have an idea about it. That's another thing that amazes be about how quickly things change in puppies. 11 weeks ago, they were pretty small little bundles without real eyes or ears and now they are mobile little buggers with a mouthful of little needle teeth who can hear me from a great distance.
Saturday evening, we shaved their little muzzles. It srtarted offf with Lenne holding and CIndi shaving but eventually I had to hold. Atticus/Green Hornet was the absolute best for it. He didn't fight or squirm or protest, just let her take all of that pesky hair , and his whiskers ;-( off. Against all odds they became even more adorable.
Sunday, it rained most of the morning. The little water dogs didn't care and they enjoyed getting wet (and dirty imo). The awning covered most of their area but they played all around. About 9am they wre settling down for a nap so I brought them into the crate while I worked on packing/cleaning things up in preparation for the trip home.
The MSU brought Bela with him and they all talked to her through the ex pen (so they couldn't nurse). She was very happy to see them and Cindi was happy to see her.
Cindi took Bela, Phoebe, Atticus and Millie home with her while we took Honey to her new people. They were in Columbus for a family event and since we were that close, they flew her home with them instead of making a separate trip to Huntington again later. She is going to live with er Aunt Cleo (Bela's littermate) and her humans ;-) It's a sad ride back without any puppies in the vehicle but we picked Millie and Atticus up on our way home. i think CIndi was as happy for me to get them as I was to get them. She kept mentioning she didn't know how I do it because 3 puppies were hard for her to keep up with at once. (My big secrets are constant vigilance and I let the other bitches help; the Mama, the aunt, and the Mama's Mama are a lot of help.)
The puppies seemed happy to be back home again and SammieDoodlebug was thrilled to see them as well as me. Jack tolerated them touching him to see me and Jill checked them out gently through the pen since she is still on light duty.
I have a lot of laundry to do from the weekend and need to finish unpacking Irv plus I am determined to do my fingernails (it's been weeks and I can't stand it any longer) in between playing with the puppies and wait for a report on Honey's flight home.
Puppy breath to all
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
May 13, 2015 Pupdate
Happy Birthday to the Puppies's human Didi! And Happy Palindrome week as well. I'm not certain how to celebrate that with puppies.
The pupsters turned 10 weeks old on Monday and we took a long trip in the van. Gilligan (Buzz E) only went half way with us because he was meeting his new family and going home with them.It was a LONG trip home for me - especially since I couldn't take fudgesicles along and then there was a big delay from a tanker truck fire on the turnpike. THe pupsters handled it like troopers but there was a little puking.
Yesterday, we played outside almost all day because it was cooler (mid 70s) and breezy. There was also alot of pollen etc blowing around so I vacuumed the rubber room 3 times since I had the door open for hte dogs/puppies. When I was rinsing things off with the hose, they were playing in the water and runnning to jump on whatever I sprayed until I sprayed off the top of the ez up (which they obviously can't reach.) They were not pleased with that turn of events and gently mouthed my calf to request that I bring that water back to them.
Today, we loaded up again and drove grandma Jill to the chiro vet near Columbus. She was adjusted and had acupuncture and this time, there was a little electircal current to the acupuncture. I have gentle exercises to do for her twice a day for a couple minutes each and we are going to use the TENS unit on her each morning, too. Hopefully those things will help. She is otherwise in very good health (her senior panel came back great) so as long as we can keep her comfortable, we will work on rehab.
Puppywise, today's trip was a breakthrough. There was NO puking by ANY of the wee ones (or the big ones or humans, although I came close at one point!) Yay puppies! They played a while this morning and we let them play a little in the ex pen and on leash before starting home but they are blowing off a lot of steam in the yard as we speak. It's cool but not cold so I think I'll try to let them hang out out there most of the evening.
Hope that bodes well for the trip in Irv tomorrow. And I wonder what kind of interesting things we can find for them to see this weekend.
Their cousin Armada is coming this evening for his bath and blowout and then I need to pack some puppy stuff and stage some things to put in Irv for tomorrow. I usually pack well ahead of time but we've been burning up the roads the last few weeks and I've been busy interacting with puppies other times. And very occasionally, I rest ;-)
Since I'll probably be sidetracked later, I'm going to say nighty, nighty, nighty to all now. And send you some of the virtual remaining puppy breath ;-)
The pupsters turned 10 weeks old on Monday and we took a long trip in the van. Gilligan (Buzz E) only went half way with us because he was meeting his new family and going home with them.It was a LONG trip home for me - especially since I couldn't take fudgesicles along and then there was a big delay from a tanker truck fire on the turnpike. THe pupsters handled it like troopers but there was a little puking.
Yesterday, we played outside almost all day because it was cooler (mid 70s) and breezy. There was also alot of pollen etc blowing around so I vacuumed the rubber room 3 times since I had the door open for hte dogs/puppies. When I was rinsing things off with the hose, they were playing in the water and runnning to jump on whatever I sprayed until I sprayed off the top of the ez up (which they obviously can't reach.) They were not pleased with that turn of events and gently mouthed my calf to request that I bring that water back to them.
Today, we loaded up again and drove grandma Jill to the chiro vet near Columbus. She was adjusted and had acupuncture and this time, there was a little electircal current to the acupuncture. I have gentle exercises to do for her twice a day for a couple minutes each and we are going to use the TENS unit on her each morning, too. Hopefully those things will help. She is otherwise in very good health (her senior panel came back great) so as long as we can keep her comfortable, we will work on rehab.
Puppywise, today's trip was a breakthrough. There was NO puking by ANY of the wee ones (or the big ones or humans, although I came close at one point!) Yay puppies! They played a while this morning and we let them play a little in the ex pen and on leash before starting home but they are blowing off a lot of steam in the yard as we speak. It's cool but not cold so I think I'll try to let them hang out out there most of the evening.
Hope that bodes well for the trip in Irv tomorrow. And I wonder what kind of interesting things we can find for them to see this weekend.
Their cousin Armada is coming this evening for his bath and blowout and then I need to pack some puppy stuff and stage some things to put in Irv for tomorrow. I usually pack well ahead of time but we've been burning up the roads the last few weeks and I've been busy interacting with puppies other times. And very occasionally, I rest ;-)
Since I'll probably be sidetracked later, I'm going to say nighty, nighty, nighty to all now. And send you some of the virtual remaining puppy breath ;-)
Sunday, May 10, 2015
May 9, 2015 Happy Mother's Day
Let's see since Iast posted: The puppies played and played and took a nap - several times. They continue to go happily into the crates to get a treat and settle down for the night. It really is adorable.
LeAnne and Caly came yesterday and we took the puppies up to the pond after we let the big girls have some time first. They seemed to have a good time but gave us a few heart attacks when following their mother up and down the back near the steep entrance to the pond. None of them fell in from there though. We did play on the swim platform some and Gilligan fell/was pushed/jumped off the side of that. With 4 puppies and 3 big dogs, I had trouble telling what happened until I heard the splash. He swam the few strokes back and I loaded him up and he went immediately back into eating the cookies so no big deal for him. I was a little more distressed but worked at not showing it.
They had lunch and then baths. They weren't dirty before their trip to the pond but they were really clean and fluffy after their showers. We took some pictures after they dried and LeAnne is working on posting them.
I think all of that fun was hard on my allergies because I had a rough night and morning. The puppies had to play without me the rest of the evening. I even missed temperament evaluations on a litter of Goldens this morning but I think I have it under control now.
The puppies tried to tell their Mama and Mama's Mama Happy Mother's Day but they kept using their teeth to do it. That made it a little less effective but when they told me, I understood ;-)
They had some nice romps outside today. We cut it short in the middle of the day because it was HOT outside. They were happy enough to come in the a/c, too. We played outside a few hours this evening when it was cooler and then we came in for a little nap and cage match time. Tomorrow, Gilligan goes to his new home. Much happier for his new family than me. It's almost time ot do last call and say Nighty, nighty, nighty to all
LeAnne and Caly came yesterday and we took the puppies up to the pond after we let the big girls have some time first. They seemed to have a good time but gave us a few heart attacks when following their mother up and down the back near the steep entrance to the pond. None of them fell in from there though. We did play on the swim platform some and Gilligan fell/was pushed/jumped off the side of that. With 4 puppies and 3 big dogs, I had trouble telling what happened until I heard the splash. He swam the few strokes back and I loaded him up and he went immediately back into eating the cookies so no big deal for him. I was a little more distressed but worked at not showing it.
They had lunch and then baths. They weren't dirty before their trip to the pond but they were really clean and fluffy after their showers. We took some pictures after they dried and LeAnne is working on posting them.
I think all of that fun was hard on my allergies because I had a rough night and morning. The puppies had to play without me the rest of the evening. I even missed temperament evaluations on a litter of Goldens this morning but I think I have it under control now.
The puppies tried to tell their Mama and Mama's Mama Happy Mother's Day but they kept using their teeth to do it. That made it a little less effective but when they told me, I understood ;-)
They had some nice romps outside today. We cut it short in the middle of the day because it was HOT outside. They were happy enough to come in the a/c, too. We played outside a few hours this evening when it was cooler and then we came in for a little nap and cage match time. Tomorrow, Gilligan goes to his new home. Much happier for his new family than me. It's almost time ot do last call and say Nighty, nighty, nighty to all
Saturday, May 9, 2015
May 8, 2015 Pupdate
Have I mentioned how utterly adorable thee puppies are? Theree's no way I could have sufficiently conveyed that so I will tkae this opportunity to gush some more.
I was tired last night (I stayed up too late trying to research Jill's ruptured attachment of her rectus abdominus the night before and didn't get a nap) so I put the puppies to bed early (9:45pm) figuring since they were napping anyway and I'm sleeping out here while the MSU was gone, I'd hear them if they needed out in the night. Just in case, I set an alram for 1am. The sweet little monsters were quiet until 1 and weren't making a peep then either so I just went back to sleep. I woke up at 6:15 when Bela decided it was time to go out and bark at invaders (probablly geese but maybe turkeys or other birds. There are an awful lot of them around these days.)
It was very warm again today so I got the hose out mid morning. Gilligan LOVES the hose and comes running to play in it. He almost immediately gets soaked (his choice, I do move it away a little just in case he doesn't mean to be directly in it) by sticking his face in the stream, getting a little drink, pawing at the stream or water on the deck/in the pool. Just generally having a good time. The other puppies then notice what is happening and come to play with him (lick his wet face/hair, give his tail a little chew, etc.) before they start playing in the water.
We came inside a little earlier because it was so hot so they played in the inside pen and then had a little nap. I had a nap planned but don't knwo what all I did instead.
This evening, the vet came to do their health certificates for traveling. It's a little odd havign them completed whenthey are just riding around with us (it is apparently geared toward shipping puppies which I do NOT do) so it's little hard to figure out what address to put on the ones that are going for a ride and then coming back with me.
She called to tell me she was on her way so I could open the gate and I thought she was closer than she apparently was so I took one of hte puppies out to hang with me while we waited for her. We walked around and pottied and recalled and had cheese and practiced name recognition. When she arrived, his temperature was on the high end of normal. He's been feelign fine but, I am a worrier so I rbought him in the a/c and he got a big drink, too. We re-checked his temperature after we did everyone else and he was normal again, too. Next time, I'll wait. The puppies were all very happy to see her, greeting with wags and kisses. But, alas, she has met them before so she doesn't go on the list again.
I didn't get this posted last night because when I brought them in for the evening, I went to refill the water bottle and there was water spraying everywhere from the washer hose. Fortunlately, it was a small leak so the laundry room wasn't flooded but there was water all over the bottom of the cabinets, down the walls, in the laundry sink (that part wasn't too big a deal) and on the floor. And the washer was full of laundry and water. There may be some water under it but we'll have to drain it the washer before I can get to it. THANK GOODNESS for a shutoff on the water at the hoses. And thank goodnness it was just the hose leaking. But the MSU will need to get new hose and change it out today because puppies=laundry.
Hope you all had a good nighty, nighty, nighty...
I was tired last night (I stayed up too late trying to research Jill's ruptured attachment of her rectus abdominus the night before and didn't get a nap) so I put the puppies to bed early (9:45pm) figuring since they were napping anyway and I'm sleeping out here while the MSU was gone, I'd hear them if they needed out in the night. Just in case, I set an alram for 1am. The sweet little monsters were quiet until 1 and weren't making a peep then either so I just went back to sleep. I woke up at 6:15 when Bela decided it was time to go out and bark at invaders (probablly geese but maybe turkeys or other birds. There are an awful lot of them around these days.)
It was very warm again today so I got the hose out mid morning. Gilligan LOVES the hose and comes running to play in it. He almost immediately gets soaked (his choice, I do move it away a little just in case he doesn't mean to be directly in it) by sticking his face in the stream, getting a little drink, pawing at the stream or water on the deck/in the pool. Just generally having a good time. The other puppies then notice what is happening and come to play with him (lick his wet face/hair, give his tail a little chew, etc.) before they start playing in the water.
We came inside a little earlier because it was so hot so they played in the inside pen and then had a little nap. I had a nap planned but don't knwo what all I did instead.
This evening, the vet came to do their health certificates for traveling. It's a little odd havign them completed whenthey are just riding around with us (it is apparently geared toward shipping puppies which I do NOT do) so it's little hard to figure out what address to put on the ones that are going for a ride and then coming back with me.
She called to tell me she was on her way so I could open the gate and I thought she was closer than she apparently was so I took one of hte puppies out to hang with me while we waited for her. We walked around and pottied and recalled and had cheese and practiced name recognition. When she arrived, his temperature was on the high end of normal. He's been feelign fine but, I am a worrier so I rbought him in the a/c and he got a big drink, too. We re-checked his temperature after we did everyone else and he was normal again, too. Next time, I'll wait. The puppies were all very happy to see her, greeting with wags and kisses. But, alas, she has met them before so she doesn't go on the list again.
I didn't get this posted last night because when I brought them in for the evening, I went to refill the water bottle and there was water spraying everywhere from the washer hose. Fortunlately, it was a small leak so the laundry room wasn't flooded but there was water all over the bottom of the cabinets, down the walls, in the laundry sink (that part wasn't too big a deal) and on the floor. And the washer was full of laundry and water. There may be some water under it but we'll have to drain it the washer before I can get to it. THANK GOODNESS for a shutoff on the water at the hoses. And thank goodnness it was just the hose leaking. But the MSU will need to get new hose and change it out today because puppies=laundry.
Hope you all had a good nighty, nighty, nighty...
Thursday, May 7, 2015
May 7, 2015 Pupdate
Hmmm, let;s see what have we done today. We went outside to potty and had some breakfast. We had company come by to meet them and they were very happy to see her and try to help her with her shoelaces ;-)
We had some one on one time out in the 'big yard' off leash and they all did a great job with recalls and exploring. We practiced some on our new names. And napped some.
It was pretty warm so we cooled down with the hose. I was initially just spraying the deck to make it cooler and over the ez up, too but the puppies really like the spray so we played making it rain and they also drank some and pawed at the stream of water. They had a water dog tendency to stick their head directly in the stream of running water so they managed to stay cooler.
Eventually, it was too warm for me to leave the a/c off so I brought them inside for afternoon siesta. Apparently they thought I said fiesta and proceeded to have a big cage match for a while. They can certaily run fast in a 12 by 8 space (and use the crate as a tunnel feature (the end doors are off of it.)
They had some chewy time outside this evening before and after dinner and then I brought them in so not so many bugs would join us tonight. I rather like that the flies are back outside (helps me find the poop to clean up) but not so fond of bugs that come inside and bite us.
They are having a little nap now and then we'll go outside again for last call and nighty, ngihty, nighty time. They are SO cute about going into their crates fro bed time. Have I mentioned that I find them adorable? Well, I still do ;-) Puppy breath to all!
We had some one on one time out in the 'big yard' off leash and they all did a great job with recalls and exploring. We practiced some on our new names. And napped some.
It was pretty warm so we cooled down with the hose. I was initially just spraying the deck to make it cooler and over the ez up, too but the puppies really like the spray so we played making it rain and they also drank some and pawed at the stream of water. They had a water dog tendency to stick their head directly in the stream of running water so they managed to stay cooler.
Eventually, it was too warm for me to leave the a/c off so I brought them inside for afternoon siesta. Apparently they thought I said fiesta and proceeded to have a big cage match for a while. They can certaily run fast in a 12 by 8 space (and use the crate as a tunnel feature (the end doors are off of it.)
They had some chewy time outside this evening before and after dinner and then I brought them in so not so many bugs would join us tonight. I rather like that the flies are back outside (helps me find the poop to clean up) but not so fond of bugs that come inside and bite us.
They are having a little nap now and then we'll go outside again for last call and nighty, ngihty, nighty time. They are SO cute about going into their crates fro bed time. Have I mentioned that I find them adorable? Well, I still do ;-) Puppy breath to all!
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
May 6, 2015 Happy Birthday BelaBoo
MamaB is 5 years old today. The puppies haven't done much to help her celebrate yet but I've been singing to her and giving her extra cuddles. She'll get some extra treating, too.
I've been a bad blogger. I started entries Monday and yesterday and never got around to finishing posting. We hope that the Vicki (Mojo's HuMama) had a good birthday. And we found the Star Wars theme and played it loudly for hte puppies since it was May the 4.
We didn't do anything for Cinco de Mayo yesterday. We just did happy puppy raising life activities.
The 3 puppies that have homes are learning there new names. Green Hornet gets exra attention for being the 'poor little as yet homeless puppy' so he doesn't seem to mind their name learning time ;-) I'm trying not to worrry. This happens every time, someone suddenly gets a puppy elsewhere after waiting and waiting. I think I'd still rather have a little while worrying about where a puppy will go than to tell people I have a puppy for them and then make them wait. Mayor Bumble (Spotty)'s people were hoping for a Doodlebug puppy last summer but those babies were too high drive for them. I think we got the right fit and I', glad they waited for him.
We've been playing walking on leash. The leash really doesn't do anything, they wear it and I go with them or coax them along with me. As with everything else, I like it to be a good experience for them. It may be a little harder for me but nothing about puppies is exactly easy (except loving them.) I may try taking them with a big dog on leash a time or two today. I'm not certain whether that will decrease my time spent or increase it (I've been taking the big dogs out on leash as well so they don't have to brave the puppy needle teeth swarm to walk the plank.
They are about the cutest things ever at nighty, nighty, nighty time. They are so enthusiastic about getting into the crates and getting their treat. They are even starting to understand that it doesn't do any good to go into a crate that is occupied by another puppy so that part of bedtime goes quickly. I have deduced that if I take them out and wait for potties before I go into the pool room, they do a better job of going. If they see me in the pool room, they are 'ready' to come in and go to bed whether they have finished pottying or not and that makes them have a long night. They are holding it all night long but they are ready to go pee when I get them up. They are still quiet in the mornings but I don't want to wait until they fus to get them up. More of that positive experience thing.
Baths are on the agenda today. One of the big dogs pooped in the night (outside, they just used the dog door) and when the puppies had morning wrestlemania after breakfast, 2 of them ended up rolling through it. They've all been playing in the planter/dirt box (they have pulled up all of the plants that were there all winter so I don't think they will come back. It was a pretty hard witner so I wasn't sure they'd come back anyway but I was smart enough NOT to replant while the puppies are here) too so everyone will earn their bath.
Maybe I'll the sisters to the pond today before giving them showers. Hopefully, the geese with the goslings won't attack them. So far, they just jump in the pond and swim away when we go near the pond. Maybe they'll do that even with the girls swimming - at least if they don't chase the babies. This is the first time they've managed to successfully have goslings. I guess we didn't go up there enough the last month. 5 years ago, they nested but the eggs werre found and consumed by the big dogs. SInce Bela had goose egg in utero, she might've had a taste for them. I am not a fan of brids so we'll have to make sure we run them off prior to hatching out babies in future years.
The puppies are ready for monring naptime so I am going to try to go back to sleep. I stayed awake too late last night and I am behind on my normal schedule anyway. Puppy breath to all
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
I've been a bad blogger. I started entries Monday and yesterday and never got around to finishing posting. We hope that the Vicki (Mojo's HuMama) had a good birthday. And we found the Star Wars theme and played it loudly for hte puppies since it was May the 4.
We didn't do anything for Cinco de Mayo yesterday. We just did happy puppy raising life activities.
The 3 puppies that have homes are learning there new names. Green Hornet gets exra attention for being the 'poor little as yet homeless puppy' so he doesn't seem to mind their name learning time ;-) I'm trying not to worrry. This happens every time, someone suddenly gets a puppy elsewhere after waiting and waiting. I think I'd still rather have a little while worrying about where a puppy will go than to tell people I have a puppy for them and then make them wait. Mayor Bumble (Spotty)'s people were hoping for a Doodlebug puppy last summer but those babies were too high drive for them. I think we got the right fit and I', glad they waited for him.
We've been playing walking on leash. The leash really doesn't do anything, they wear it and I go with them or coax them along with me. As with everything else, I like it to be a good experience for them. It may be a little harder for me but nothing about puppies is exactly easy (except loving them.) I may try taking them with a big dog on leash a time or two today. I'm not certain whether that will decrease my time spent or increase it (I've been taking the big dogs out on leash as well so they don't have to brave the puppy needle teeth swarm to walk the plank.
They are about the cutest things ever at nighty, nighty, nighty time. They are so enthusiastic about getting into the crates and getting their treat. They are even starting to understand that it doesn't do any good to go into a crate that is occupied by another puppy so that part of bedtime goes quickly. I have deduced that if I take them out and wait for potties before I go into the pool room, they do a better job of going. If they see me in the pool room, they are 'ready' to come in and go to bed whether they have finished pottying or not and that makes them have a long night. They are holding it all night long but they are ready to go pee when I get them up. They are still quiet in the mornings but I don't want to wait until they fus to get them up. More of that positive experience thing.
Baths are on the agenda today. One of the big dogs pooped in the night (outside, they just used the dog door) and when the puppies had morning wrestlemania after breakfast, 2 of them ended up rolling through it. They've all been playing in the planter/dirt box (they have pulled up all of the plants that were there all winter so I don't think they will come back. It was a pretty hard witner so I wasn't sure they'd come back anyway but I was smart enough NOT to replant while the puppies are here) too so everyone will earn their bath.
Maybe I'll the sisters to the pond today before giving them showers. Hopefully, the geese with the goslings won't attack them. So far, they just jump in the pond and swim away when we go near the pond. Maybe they'll do that even with the girls swimming - at least if they don't chase the babies. This is the first time they've managed to successfully have goslings. I guess we didn't go up there enough the last month. 5 years ago, they nested but the eggs werre found and consumed by the big dogs. SInce Bela had goose egg in utero, she might've had a taste for them. I am not a fan of brids so we'll have to make sure we run them off prior to hatching out babies in future years.
The puppies are ready for monring naptime so I am going to try to go back to sleep. I stayed awake too late last night and I am behind on my normal schedule anyway. Puppy breath to all
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, May 3, 2015
May 3, 2015 Pupdate
We didn't have nearly so much to do today so we had a semi quiet day. Bela was barking at 5something this morning so I got up early and let the puppies out to potty, fed them breakfast and put them in the pen before I went back to bed. But before I could get all of the puppies inside, Honey was over the top of the ex pen. I put her back and she did it again so I got the taller one and clipped it onto the short one while i went back to get more sleep. It seems to be working. Unfortunately someone needed to poop again during that naptime. Oh well, 8 week old puppies aren't perfectly potty trained but we are still doing pretty well. They are definitely holding in their crates overnight though.
Bumble had a good first night in his new home. I think they are pretty happy together. Phoebe had some playtime with Caly and her uncle housemate Indy last night.
It was a really nice day so we spent a lot of it outside. I think I will need to put the shade back on the ezup tomorrow, sunny and warm is predicted. We may even have to play with the hose just for fun.
Gilligan is learning his name. I've been using it and then when Colleen came over (Armada needed his hair washed and blown out) she played with him on his name and the clickeer.
The puppies laready do thumpy tail like their grndma and mama (and most of their family), too. If they are sleeping and sort of wake up as I approach, they will thump their tails. It's adorable. It's also adroable if I go out of sight for a while and then sneak back out there. I can tell when one spots me because all of a sudden there is a puppy runnning full speed toward me. It's very endearing. I still find it extremely entertaining when they run around at full speed with toys or ropes in their mouths. Such good little monsters. Wonder who will be first in the crate tonight? They are really cooperative about going in to get their nighty, nighty, nighty snack. I think we'll try it at other times tomorrow, too just to reinforce. Apparently, Phoebe isnt too thrilled with crate time during the day when she could be out on a big dog bed or being held. She didn't do that here but I need to keep everyone in practice just in case. Nighty, nighty, nighty to all
Bumble had a good first night in his new home. I think they are pretty happy together. Phoebe had some playtime with Caly and her uncle housemate Indy last night.
It was a really nice day so we spent a lot of it outside. I think I will need to put the shade back on the ezup tomorrow, sunny and warm is predicted. We may even have to play with the hose just for fun.
Gilligan is learning his name. I've been using it and then when Colleen came over (Armada needed his hair washed and blown out) she played with him on his name and the clickeer.
The puppies laready do thumpy tail like their grndma and mama (and most of their family), too. If they are sleeping and sort of wake up as I approach, they will thump their tails. It's adorable. It's also adroable if I go out of sight for a while and then sneak back out there. I can tell when one spots me because all of a sudden there is a puppy runnning full speed toward me. It's very endearing. I still find it extremely entertaining when they run around at full speed with toys or ropes in their mouths. Such good little monsters. Wonder who will be first in the crate tonight? They are really cooperative about going in to get their nighty, nighty, nighty snack. I think we'll try it at other times tomorrow, too just to reinforce. Apparently, Phoebe isnt too thrilled with crate time during the day when she could be out on a big dog bed or being held. She didn't do that here but I need to keep everyone in practice just in case. Nighty, nighty, nighty to all
Saturday, May 2, 2015
May 2, 2015 Pupdate
I'm down to 4 puppies. Mayor Bumble flew home to FL this afternoon/evening. And although Dog Cindi brought Phoebe home when she came today, she took her back with her. And she took Caly back to LeAnne. It was a car full off of my babies leaving. Fortunately the MSU brought fudgesicles home. It helps but I still miss them.
Phoebe is doing well at home. She fussed a few minutes in her crate at first but then slept through the night like the good puppy she is.
The puppies had a good night in their crates and a pretty day outside. I brought them in while we all took a little nap this afternoon. Then they got to go back outside for a few more hours.
For dinner, they had a little extra because I inadvertently prpared dinner for 6 instead of 4. They didn't complain but I realized it when I set the bowls down. I'm remembering to count 4, 3, 2, 1 instead of starting at 6 but it still seems like I don't have neough puppies.
It's almost time for last call. I need to take the big dogs out separately since Jill is only going on leash out the door with the ramp and we had to close off the dog door but if I try to start early wiht them, the puppies wake up and need out. They are doing well holding it in their crates overnight and we are managing to go utside and pee before coming back in to see what's taking me so long to get the other puppies out. Tomorrow morning should go even quicker since there are only 4 of them (sob.)
I hope Bumble has a good night, he slept a lot of the way home so he might be wound up a little but they got home in enough time to play before bedtime so it mught be ok. Hope so. Nighty, nighty, nighty to my puppies and the rest of you as well.
Phoebe is doing well at home. She fussed a few minutes in her crate at first but then slept through the night like the good puppy she is.
The puppies had a good night in their crates and a pretty day outside. I brought them in while we all took a little nap this afternoon. Then they got to go back outside for a few more hours.
For dinner, they had a little extra because I inadvertently prpared dinner for 6 instead of 4. They didn't complain but I realized it when I set the bowls down. I'm remembering to count 4, 3, 2, 1 instead of starting at 6 but it still seems like I don't have neough puppies.
It's almost time for last call. I need to take the big dogs out separately since Jill is only going on leash out the door with the ramp and we had to close off the dog door but if I try to start early wiht them, the puppies wake up and need out. They are doing well holding it in their crates overnight and we are managing to go utside and pee before coming back in to see what's taking me so long to get the other puppies out. Tomorrow morning should go even quicker since there are only 4 of them (sob.)
I hope Bumble has a good night, he slept a lot of the way home so he might be wound up a little but they got home in enough time to play before bedtime so it mught be ok. Hope so. Nighty, nighty, nighty to my puppies and the rest of you as well.
Friday, May 1, 2015
May 1, 2015 Happy Purebred Dog Day
We celebrated with a road trip to have Grandma Jill's leg checked out by the chiropractic vet. On the road by 7am for the 10 am appt. The puppies were pretty quiet travelers. There was a little fussing on occasion but that was another long day of riding.
One of Trek's co owners met us there to take him back to her house for some show prep. Uncle Indy and Cousin Caly also got checked (and adjusted and the other dogs did a ridealong.
While we were there, the next paitents drove up and it was people from our area so they and the vet's daughter helped us potty the puppies and let them run for a few minutes before we headed back home,
Once home, there was still daylight and it was warmish and sunny so the puppies ate and played a few minutes before Cindi took Phoebe (fka Bizzy the pink girl) home wiht her. So now, I am counting down from 5 and trying not to cry. Tomorrow, it'll be 4. I'll need some fudgesicles to get through this.
The remaining 5 and I played with the hose. Well, they played. I was spraying off the deck and the rocks. They danced in and out of the stream, grabbed at the water with their mouths, splashed in the castle sandbox, and 'helped' me guide the hose. Then the wet puppies took a nap.
I let them stay outside until it was dark and then I brought them back into the pen. We'll go do last call soon, they are fussing every time I go to the door but are going back to sleep pretty quickly.
I also cleaned enough inside to get the kefir odor away. I'll finish cleaning in the morning. Well, as much as one ever finishes cleaning with dogs and puppies ;-)
I need to do last call. Grandma JIll is on restricted activity so I need to lift her on and off the couch (I don't have the heart to make her not lie on the couch at all so I'll get her on and off and that'll work for that. And I need to cuddle my puppies and get more puppy breath while I still can.
Nighty, nighty, nighty
One of Trek's co owners met us there to take him back to her house for some show prep. Uncle Indy and Cousin Caly also got checked (and adjusted and the other dogs did a ridealong.
While we were there, the next paitents drove up and it was people from our area so they and the vet's daughter helped us potty the puppies and let them run for a few minutes before we headed back home,
Once home, there was still daylight and it was warmish and sunny so the puppies ate and played a few minutes before Cindi took Phoebe (fka Bizzy the pink girl) home wiht her. So now, I am counting down from 5 and trying not to cry. Tomorrow, it'll be 4. I'll need some fudgesicles to get through this.
The remaining 5 and I played with the hose. Well, they played. I was spraying off the deck and the rocks. They danced in and out of the stream, grabbed at the water with their mouths, splashed in the castle sandbox, and 'helped' me guide the hose. Then the wet puppies took a nap.
I let them stay outside until it was dark and then I brought them back into the pen. We'll go do last call soon, they are fussing every time I go to the door but are going back to sleep pretty quickly.
I also cleaned enough inside to get the kefir odor away. I'll finish cleaning in the morning. Well, as much as one ever finishes cleaning with dogs and puppies ;-)
I need to do last call. Grandma JIll is on restricted activity so I need to lift her on and off the couch (I don't have the heart to make her not lie on the couch at all so I'll get her on and off and that'll work for that. And I need to cuddle my puppies and get more puppy breath while I still can.
Nighty, nighty, nighty
Thursday, April 30, 2015
April 30, 2015 Pupdate
Another day with the cutest puppies in the world is winding down. They were good in their crates again last night and were still quiet when I came down at 6:30 to take them out. I think I may have woken them up but they wake up happy so it's ok.
The vet came this morning to do some blood work on the old dogs and do some puppy stuff, too. We got their first dose of heartworm and i gave it to them right after lunch. It was a little difficult to get one pill per puppy so I separated them. It started off easier until their Mama busted her way out with us and Uncle Jack followed. After that, I took each puppy behind the gate in front of the door and closed the door and gave it. Some took longer to chew it all up than others and they all wanted in on the others' turn but it was one to a customer.
It rained off and on so we did a lot of out and in today. And one of them has figured out the dog door and comes in on her own. She wasn't even following a big dog when she did it the first time. Nor was it just luck, she did it several times throughout the evening. She comes trotting over to me just as pleased as punch when she does it so I'd pick her up and we'd have a cuddle. A couple of the times, I then put her in the pen because she wasn't staying outside. If her mother wouldn't push the ex pen out of the way (I have created a smaller area inside the fnced yard so the big dogs can come in and out the dog door when they need to and not be accosted by puppies but Bela feels no compunction whatsoever about pushing it out of the which leaves a gap for hte puppies to come into the area. I close it a lot but she does it without my realizing it sometimes) this wouldn't be an issue.
I finished the last baby blanket today. THe material has been in their room so it all has the scent of home but the Mama has been sleeping on the finished blankets for a little extra help in that department.
Speaking of scent, I think the rubber room smells like kefir. I hope I can leave the windows open and air it out some and I may add some essential oils to the water I spray on the floor when I steam clean it to see if that helps. I hope it does. I'll also use vinegar on the walls instad of just dusting them. I'm going to be busy after we get back from our trip to Ohio tomorrow. Grandma Jill needs to see if the chiropractor has any ideas about her weakness in her hind leg and the puppies are riding along because I don't leave them AND it's good experience for them. Some times you ride, ride, ride. The big dogs are all going to ridealong, too because they like that. All of them are better travelers than I am.
I did last call a few minutes early tonight because I took Trek (their cousin, he's going with us tomorrow) outside to potty and they woke up and wanted to go, too. It was 10:45 and we are getting up extra early tomorrow PLUS it wasn't raining at the moment, so I struck while the iron was hot. They played some with Trek (he LOVES puppies, unbelievably sweet for a 9 month old male) so I am not certain if all of them pooped but I hope everyone who needed to did. I'm sleeping on the ottoben bed (I've been sleeping upstairs since Monday) tonight so I'll hear them if someone does need to go outside.
They are very very very cute all of the time bu especially when they sit to get what they want. Another thing that is absolutley adorable it how they run into the crates in the pool room at night. It takes a little effort to limit them 1 to a crate - they don't understand that I want them to spread themselves out. They just want to get in one and if another puppy is already in there, oh well. I eventually get them divided up but it's quite the amusing process. I love enthusiastic puppies.
I'm certain they did more amazing things today but I need to go to sleep so I can get up way too early tomorrow. The puppies are already sleeping soundly (they are quiet by the time I turn off the lights at the end of the 3 songs) and all of the dogs except Trek are as well. He's sleeping in the puppy pen tonight and is killing a snake. Hopefully, when I turn off the light, he will go to sleep too or I'll have to take all of the toys out. Nighty, nighty, nighty to all...
The vet came this morning to do some blood work on the old dogs and do some puppy stuff, too. We got their first dose of heartworm and i gave it to them right after lunch. It was a little difficult to get one pill per puppy so I separated them. It started off easier until their Mama busted her way out with us and Uncle Jack followed. After that, I took each puppy behind the gate in front of the door and closed the door and gave it. Some took longer to chew it all up than others and they all wanted in on the others' turn but it was one to a customer.
It rained off and on so we did a lot of out and in today. And one of them has figured out the dog door and comes in on her own. She wasn't even following a big dog when she did it the first time. Nor was it just luck, she did it several times throughout the evening. She comes trotting over to me just as pleased as punch when she does it so I'd pick her up and we'd have a cuddle. A couple of the times, I then put her in the pen because she wasn't staying outside. If her mother wouldn't push the ex pen out of the way (I have created a smaller area inside the fnced yard so the big dogs can come in and out the dog door when they need to and not be accosted by puppies but Bela feels no compunction whatsoever about pushing it out of the which leaves a gap for hte puppies to come into the area. I close it a lot but she does it without my realizing it sometimes) this wouldn't be an issue.
I finished the last baby blanket today. THe material has been in their room so it all has the scent of home but the Mama has been sleeping on the finished blankets for a little extra help in that department.
Speaking of scent, I think the rubber room smells like kefir. I hope I can leave the windows open and air it out some and I may add some essential oils to the water I spray on the floor when I steam clean it to see if that helps. I hope it does. I'll also use vinegar on the walls instad of just dusting them. I'm going to be busy after we get back from our trip to Ohio tomorrow. Grandma Jill needs to see if the chiropractor has any ideas about her weakness in her hind leg and the puppies are riding along because I don't leave them AND it's good experience for them. Some times you ride, ride, ride. The big dogs are all going to ridealong, too because they like that. All of them are better travelers than I am.
I did last call a few minutes early tonight because I took Trek (their cousin, he's going with us tomorrow) outside to potty and they woke up and wanted to go, too. It was 10:45 and we are getting up extra early tomorrow PLUS it wasn't raining at the moment, so I struck while the iron was hot. They played some with Trek (he LOVES puppies, unbelievably sweet for a 9 month old male) so I am not certain if all of them pooped but I hope everyone who needed to did. I'm sleeping on the ottoben bed (I've been sleeping upstairs since Monday) tonight so I'll hear them if someone does need to go outside.
They are very very very cute all of the time bu especially when they sit to get what they want. Another thing that is absolutley adorable it how they run into the crates in the pool room at night. It takes a little effort to limit them 1 to a crate - they don't understand that I want them to spread themselves out. They just want to get in one and if another puppy is already in there, oh well. I eventually get them divided up but it's quite the amusing process. I love enthusiastic puppies.
I'm certain they did more amazing things today but I need to go to sleep so I can get up way too early tomorrow. The puppies are already sleeping soundly (they are quiet by the time I turn off the lights at the end of the 3 songs) and all of the dogs except Trek are as well. He's sleeping in the puppy pen tonight and is killing a snake. Hopefully, when I turn off the light, he will go to sleep too or I'll have to take all of the toys out. Nighty, nighty, nighty to all...
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
April 28, 2015 Pupdate
I slept in my real bed for the first night in 8 weeks last night. I tucked the puppies in after taking them outside at about 11:30, sang the 3 songs, said nighty, nighty, nighty and turned off the lights. There was a little singing at first but by the time I had finished last call with the big dogs, they were quiet. 2 of the girls are sharing a crate right now (I vary which 2) because I only have 5 crates out there but the girls will have a chance after the boys start leaving (the girls aren't going as soon.)
They weren't fussing when I went out there are 6:30 am but they became excited when they heard/saw me. Tomorrow morning, I need to take their dish with their breakfast prepared with me from the door to the dog yard so it will be easier to get them outside. As it is, I open the crate doors and they mill around my feet. They have all made it outside before they have to go potty but I'd rather not have to worry so much about stepping on them. If I had dime for every time I say "I'm wearing that shoe", I'd be in a higher tax bracket.
We didn't go for any car rides today. We played inside and outside and they took a few naps. We did a really good job coming inside and going into the pen, in spite of the fact that the big dogs were loose and milling around. They are really cute puppies. I'm not looking forward to when they start leaving. I think I may need a fudgesicle run.
They continue to be adorable and do really cute things. They are very good at helping me with everything I do. They like to help with laundry, with pouring water, with feeding time, with cleaning up the yard, with every step I take... the list goes on and on. They are getting pretty good at being redirected so they stop biting at me. It also works it I have them sit for cookies (usually cheese.) but that always brings the others running to join the fun.
Puppies are napping away. I almost hate to wake them up to take them out for last call but I can cuddle them each a few minutes before I take them outside and sniff a little puppy breath. We are going to say nighty, nighty, nighty to all
They weren't fussing when I went out there are 6:30 am but they became excited when they heard/saw me. Tomorrow morning, I need to take their dish with their breakfast prepared with me from the door to the dog yard so it will be easier to get them outside. As it is, I open the crate doors and they mill around my feet. They have all made it outside before they have to go potty but I'd rather not have to worry so much about stepping on them. If I had dime for every time I say "I'm wearing that shoe", I'd be in a higher tax bracket.
We didn't go for any car rides today. We played inside and outside and they took a few naps. We did a really good job coming inside and going into the pen, in spite of the fact that the big dogs were loose and milling around. They are really cute puppies. I'm not looking forward to when they start leaving. I think I may need a fudgesicle run.
They continue to be adorable and do really cute things. They are very good at helping me with everything I do. They like to help with laundry, with pouring water, with feeding time, with cleaning up the yard, with every step I take... the list goes on and on. They are getting pretty good at being redirected so they stop biting at me. It also works it I have them sit for cookies (usually cheese.) but that always brings the others running to join the fun.
Puppies are napping away. I almost hate to wake them up to take them out for last call but I can cuddle them each a few minutes before I take them outside and sniff a little puppy breath. We are going to say nighty, nighty, nighty to all
Monday, April 27, 2015
April 27, 2015 8 Weeks Old! Happy Birthday Puppies
We got up early this am (well not really early for the puppies but I was awake at 4 and got up at 5 to get ready for our road trip.
The puppies had a normal morning at first: run outside; potty; nurse; have a healthy breakfast; romp and then take a little nap until we loaded them up into the crates in the van and headed to Columbus to the ophthalomology vet.
There was some fussing and puking on the way up. And they had the chance to meet a police officer but they were sleeping by then so we didn't wake them up.
We took a detour by 'Aunt' Tamara's (she has their cousin Mila) house for a little romp and potty break. Plus we took her along to help wrangle puppies and fill out forms ;-) The puppies got to play with their cousin Mila and her housemate Fergie a little in the ex pen area (their yard is trying to grow some new grass).
I fed them lunch while the tech put the drops in their eyes/waited for their eyes to dilate. (They had some kefir at Tamara's house.) None of them were carsick from Tamara's to MedVet or back to Tamara's so that was a plus. They got to stretch their legs and played a fair amount and potty, plus their mother topped them off. They also had another little romp wth cousin Mila. When we put them back in the van for the trip home, they all sacked out and were quiet puppies All of the way home. The best part was, there was no hurling on the way home - not even on Fudge Creek.
It was past dinnertime when we finally got back home and they were happy to have dinner and play in their own yard. I let them play outside until a little after dark and then I rbought them into the pen. They've been alternating playing and resting and are going to go outside for one last hurrah before it's nighty, nighty, nighty time in their crates. I THINK this will be the first night in 8 weeks, I've slept up in my own bed (but it was worth it.) Nighty, nighty, nighty to all!
The puppies had a normal morning at first: run outside; potty; nurse; have a healthy breakfast; romp and then take a little nap until we loaded them up into the crates in the van and headed to Columbus to the ophthalomology vet.
There was some fussing and puking on the way up. And they had the chance to meet a police officer but they were sleeping by then so we didn't wake them up.
We took a detour by 'Aunt' Tamara's (she has their cousin Mila) house for a little romp and potty break. Plus we took her along to help wrangle puppies and fill out forms ;-) The puppies got to play with their cousin Mila and her housemate Fergie a little in the ex pen area (their yard is trying to grow some new grass).
I fed them lunch while the tech put the drops in their eyes/waited for their eyes to dilate. (They had some kefir at Tamara's house.) None of them were carsick from Tamara's to MedVet or back to Tamara's so that was a plus. They got to stretch their legs and played a fair amount and potty, plus their mother topped them off. They also had another little romp wth cousin Mila. When we put them back in the van for the trip home, they all sacked out and were quiet puppies All of the way home. The best part was, there was no hurling on the way home - not even on Fudge Creek.
It was past dinnertime when we finally got back home and they were happy to have dinner and play in their own yard. I let them play outside until a little after dark and then I rbought them into the pen. They've been alternating playing and resting and are going to go outside for one last hurrah before it's nighty, nighty, nighty time in their crates. I THINK this will be the first night in 8 weeks, I've slept up in my own bed (but it was worth it.) Nighty, nighty, nighty to all!
Sunday, April 26, 2015
April 26, 2015 Pupdate
We started crating away ffrom the big dogs and some singly in crates and some doubled up but all right beside each other. I took them outside singly and let them potty and then we went into the pool room and had a little snack in the crate while I got hte next puppy. When they were Allyn their crrates, I gave them each a couple of treats and turned off the lights while singing the 3 songs (Byo baby bunting, lullabye, and Turalura Lura), They did a little singing with me but not for very long.
I had more trouble with Caly (she was my time share puppy from the TEN litter) wanting to go out there to sleep in her crate. When she was a puppy, she'd take her naps in the crate out there, partly because she decided that was where she was supposed to do it. She still seems to regard it as HER room, if we are in the pool, she goes out the dog door and stands at the door to the pool room asking to be admitted.
It's 2:10 and after doing some more laundry (laundry with puppies it pretty well constant.)
And they stayed mostly quiet the rest of the night. It was pretty light outside when they woke up and started maling noise. I had a little difficulty getting them all outside after I opened the crate doors. They kept coming back with me to get the next one. I need to remember to block off access to the rest of the pool room. They come when called but I'd prefer them not to have an accident.
We proceeded to have a pretty big day for the puppies. They played outside a lot since we finally had a sunny day. (I started off in a turtleneck, fleece hooded sweatshirt and flannel pants but was in shorts and a t shirt by 11 am.) Cindi and LeAnne came to see them and then the vet came to see them. They were good little puppies for her (and a couple of them may have squeaked a little for the microchip but they didn't stop eating the cream cheese so it was all good. They conitnued their nap while the big dogs had some grooming. When they woke up, we helped them eat some chicken wings. They worked pretty hard at eating it but understood immediately that it was food and put those little needle teeth to good use. They had a little more trouble intially telling the difference between our gloved fingers and the chicken but we survived and they got better at it. It was interesting to observe their styles, some of them worked at it alone immediately, others tried to eat with another pupy and some of them were happy to have us assist them with our opposable thumbs immediately. They were all willing to let us help though (not that I thought we had any resource guarders but it's always good to know.)
After chicken, the big dogs went to the pond for a quick romp and then the pupsters had their rears shaved again while the big dogs had baths. They had a little while to rest and romp and then I gave them showers, too. We took all of the puppies into the bathroom together and I gave them real showers individually. Not a one of them fussed, even though I woke them up to do it. We le them run out to have a quick potty and then brought them inside to since they were pretty wet and the sun wasn't on the back of the house any longer. They played a little and then piled up together on the lamby fleece blanket for a good long rest.
I didn't wake them up for dinner, just fed them a little late. After another romp, we are all settling in for a rest. I'll set the alarm to take them out at last call and put them in their crates again tonight. And then tomorrow, we're off to Columbus for ophthalmology exams. The MSU will be home so other than the Mama, the big dogs will stay home with him this trip. Virtual puppy breath to all. Nighty, nighty, nighty
I had more trouble with Caly (she was my time share puppy from the TEN litter) wanting to go out there to sleep in her crate. When she was a puppy, she'd take her naps in the crate out there, partly because she decided that was where she was supposed to do it. She still seems to regard it as HER room, if we are in the pool, she goes out the dog door and stands at the door to the pool room asking to be admitted.
It's 2:10 and after doing some more laundry (laundry with puppies it pretty well constant.)
And they stayed mostly quiet the rest of the night. It was pretty light outside when they woke up and started maling noise. I had a little difficulty getting them all outside after I opened the crate doors. They kept coming back with me to get the next one. I need to remember to block off access to the rest of the pool room. They come when called but I'd prefer them not to have an accident.
We proceeded to have a pretty big day for the puppies. They played outside a lot since we finally had a sunny day. (I started off in a turtleneck, fleece hooded sweatshirt and flannel pants but was in shorts and a t shirt by 11 am.) Cindi and LeAnne came to see them and then the vet came to see them. They were good little puppies for her (and a couple of them may have squeaked a little for the microchip but they didn't stop eating the cream cheese so it was all good. They conitnued their nap while the big dogs had some grooming. When they woke up, we helped them eat some chicken wings. They worked pretty hard at eating it but understood immediately that it was food and put those little needle teeth to good use. They had a little more trouble intially telling the difference between our gloved fingers and the chicken but we survived and they got better at it. It was interesting to observe their styles, some of them worked at it alone immediately, others tried to eat with another pupy and some of them were happy to have us assist them with our opposable thumbs immediately. They were all willing to let us help though (not that I thought we had any resource guarders but it's always good to know.)
After chicken, the big dogs went to the pond for a quick romp and then the pupsters had their rears shaved again while the big dogs had baths. They had a little while to rest and romp and then I gave them showers, too. We took all of the puppies into the bathroom together and I gave them real showers individually. Not a one of them fussed, even though I woke them up to do it. We le them run out to have a quick potty and then brought them inside to since they were pretty wet and the sun wasn't on the back of the house any longer. They played a little and then piled up together on the lamby fleece blanket for a good long rest.
I didn't wake them up for dinner, just fed them a little late. After another romp, we are all settling in for a rest. I'll set the alarm to take them out at last call and put them in their crates again tonight. And then tomorrow, we're off to Columbus for ophthalmology exams. The MSU will be home so other than the Mama, the big dogs will stay home with him this trip. Virtual puppy breath to all. Nighty, nighty, nighty
Saturday, April 25, 2015
April 25, 2015 Pupdate
It's been a very busy day. And cold and rainy which again bothered me a lot more than the puppies. We took them for their temperament evaluations so we got loaded into the van and took a car trip. There was a little fussing but they mostly quieted down when I sang the 3 songs.
They had a good time at the evauations, they got to play with new people and toys - there was a big toy dog that moved and made noises that they all loved. After they were all done with the individual evauations, we brought them back in to le them play together and then brought down a litter of Golden puppies. The Goldens are younger and there are 9 of them. They are awfully cute (but not quite as cute as our puppies.)
We played group recalls a little bit with the mass of puppies and it was understandably adorable. We fed them as a group (kibble) and there was no squabbling or otherwise ugly behavior.
Evaluations went well, all of the puppies were very stable and, big surprise, liked the people.
The puppies were good while I slept after we got back home. It was a good day to stay inside and sleep. They still needed to go outside to potty and romp a little but did most of their playing inside today.
I set up the puppy crates in the pool room for individual crating time tonight. Just to make certain it goes as smoothly as possible, I'll wait until they are pretty sleepy.
Speaking of pretty sleepy, I am so we are going to say nighty nighty, nighty to all.
They had a good time at the evauations, they got to play with new people and toys - there was a big toy dog that moved and made noises that they all loved. After they were all done with the individual evauations, we brought them back in to le them play together and then brought down a litter of Golden puppies. The Goldens are younger and there are 9 of them. They are awfully cute (but not quite as cute as our puppies.)
We played group recalls a little bit with the mass of puppies and it was understandably adorable. We fed them as a group (kibble) and there was no squabbling or otherwise ugly behavior.
Evaluations went well, all of the puppies were very stable and, big surprise, liked the people.
The puppies were good while I slept after we got back home. It was a good day to stay inside and sleep. They still needed to go outside to potty and romp a little but did most of their playing inside today.
I set up the puppy crates in the pool room for individual crating time tonight. Just to make certain it goes as smoothly as possible, I'll wait until they are pretty sleepy.
Speaking of pretty sleepy, I am so we are going to say nighty nighty, nighty to all.
Friday, April 24, 2015
April 24, 2015 Pupdate
The puppies have had another busy day of being adorably smart. Other than their mother waking them up at 5 am, they are doing well at contained sleeping. We'll be moving to individual crating very soon and it might include their mother. I kept threatening to do it before now but it feels mean, especially since she comes back to cuddle with me after she gets them all riled up. They are getting pretty good at quieting down when I sing the three songs.
It was a lot prettier outside today so it was more comfortable for me to be outside with them but I think it is supposed to start raining again tonight.
In case you didn't notice, we finally got pictures (and link to pictures) uploaded. I think the really cute Easter photo shoot ones are on there, too.
There was a hard frost this morning so we all came back inside and went back to sleep after their first trip outside. I got an extra hour and a half of sleep, mostly. There was a little less rest due to the big dogs playing musical cuddler but it was better than being completely awake and upright ;-)
I've been taking the puppies outside after they have their bedtime snack and they haven't had any aversion to being outside after dark. I still don't leave a single puppy outside alone at ay time so no one feels abandoned.
Speaking of abandoned, I inadvertently locked a couple of them in the laundry room for a few minutes today. I thought they all came out with me and I went into the rubber room to get more laundry when i heard puppies fussing. I went running outside to see what was wrong and couldn't find all of them but then they were jumping up on the door so I figured it out. They weren't exactly traumatized since they tunred right around and ran back inside. I think they were in the bathroom, they've been exploring every nook and cranny they come across.
I've been continuing our environmental enrichment and it conitues ot go well. Today, I was going to put the food dish on sheets of aluminum foil. I took the foil out with the food. I had to put the foil down to dish out the food and the puppies were all over it. The really cute part was they remembered they are supposed to sit for things and they managed to sit on the different pieces of foil. Have I mentioned htey are GOOD puppies.
We continue to pactice Sherpa skills since i know some of them will be flying but don't yet know which ones. They all think it's great fun and very worth cheese. So far, all of them are food motivated. They like to play with toys, too but I haven't tried to use toy drive to motivate them.
We have a busy schedule beginning tomorrow. They have temperament evaluations tomorrow, Sunday the vet is coming to see them (microchips, exams, etc.) and Monday we go to Columbus for ophthalmology exams. Tuesday, we'll have conformtion evaluations. They'll be buy puppies but I'll make certain they have plenty of downtime, too.
They aren't down for the whole night yet but I m going to say Nighty, nighty, nighty now. Puppy breath to all
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
It was a lot prettier outside today so it was more comfortable for me to be outside with them but I think it is supposed to start raining again tonight.
In case you didn't notice, we finally got pictures (and link to pictures) uploaded. I think the really cute Easter photo shoot ones are on there, too.
There was a hard frost this morning so we all came back inside and went back to sleep after their first trip outside. I got an extra hour and a half of sleep, mostly. There was a little less rest due to the big dogs playing musical cuddler but it was better than being completely awake and upright ;-)
I've been taking the puppies outside after they have their bedtime snack and they haven't had any aversion to being outside after dark. I still don't leave a single puppy outside alone at ay time so no one feels abandoned.
Speaking of abandoned, I inadvertently locked a couple of them in the laundry room for a few minutes today. I thought they all came out with me and I went into the rubber room to get more laundry when i heard puppies fussing. I went running outside to see what was wrong and couldn't find all of them but then they were jumping up on the door so I figured it out. They weren't exactly traumatized since they tunred right around and ran back inside. I think they were in the bathroom, they've been exploring every nook and cranny they come across.
I've been continuing our environmental enrichment and it conitues ot go well. Today, I was going to put the food dish on sheets of aluminum foil. I took the foil out with the food. I had to put the foil down to dish out the food and the puppies were all over it. The really cute part was they remembered they are supposed to sit for things and they managed to sit on the different pieces of foil. Have I mentioned htey are GOOD puppies.
We continue to pactice Sherpa skills since i know some of them will be flying but don't yet know which ones. They all think it's great fun and very worth cheese. So far, all of them are food motivated. They like to play with toys, too but I haven't tried to use toy drive to motivate them.
We have a busy schedule beginning tomorrow. They have temperament evaluations tomorrow, Sunday the vet is coming to see them (microchips, exams, etc.) and Monday we go to Columbus for ophthalmology exams. Tuesday, we'll have conformtion evaluations. They'll be buy puppies but I'll make certain they have plenty of downtime, too.
They aren't down for the whole night yet but I m going to say Nighty, nighty, nighty now. Puppy breath to all
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, April 23, 2015
April 23, 2015 Pupdate
Happy Anniversary to their human Didi and MiMi!
The puppies were lively today. In spite of it beng what I thought was too cold today, they had big fun outside a large chunk of hte day. I did bring them back inside after their first outs and potty and they played fairly quietly and then napped.
I attempted to hold a weight watchers meeting myself today so I could gets weights for their next dose of wormer. (Again no ine appears to have worms but in puppiies, I don't like to risk the possibility since the stress of pregnancy/nursing make the ones the Mama was probably born with encapsulated have a chance to sneak by her system.)
But the important part of that story is to point out that puppies found the whole process WAY too interesting. Mistake number 1 was doing it when they were wide awake. Mistake number 2 was trying to do it where they all had access. I was trying to hurry so the scale and my ipad didn't power off while I swtiched puppies. So we all had quite the time with me trying to get one puppy and one puppy alone on the scale. The ones not on the scale in the 'basket' wanted on the scale or to be in the basket or chewing on the basket and the one IN the baslet was trying to get out to play with the others. It was an adventure but I am pretty certain I got reasonable weights on each pony (they are definitely not tiny little puppies these days.)
They helped me with laundry several times today, especially by making sure that one of their outside blankets didn't blow away when I tried to pick it up to take it to the washing machine ;-)
When I brought them inside after dinner and potty/play time, I put the big dogs in crates/behind gates and called the puppies to come into the pen. A couple of them made it straight in, a couple flew by and had to come back to the door and one got upset that everyone els ewas in there getting cheese and tried jumping up on the ex pen protesting loudly until suddenly realization dawned and it darted for the gate. Unfortunately, by that point, Jack had moved his gate to come get some of the cheese so I had to lift that one over the gate. Then they all practiced sitting nicely for cheese.
They played a little bit more and then sacked out while I was straining the kefir. The goat milk version is less stinky than when I use cow milk. I think I'm going ot try powdered goat milk next time since I am out of canned.
Their cousin Caly is staying with us a few days. She is more comfortable with them and this morning she was play bowing and doing her hound dog bark (she is NOT a hound dog, she's a PWD). Twice today, I heard a puppy do a version of that 'bark'. I don't know if it's coincidence or genetic.
I think it's time for us to say nighty, nighty, nighty. Puppy breath to all
The puppies were lively today. In spite of it beng what I thought was too cold today, they had big fun outside a large chunk of hte day. I did bring them back inside after their first outs and potty and they played fairly quietly and then napped.
I attempted to hold a weight watchers meeting myself today so I could gets weights for their next dose of wormer. (Again no ine appears to have worms but in puppiies, I don't like to risk the possibility since the stress of pregnancy/nursing make the ones the Mama was probably born with encapsulated have a chance to sneak by her system.)
But the important part of that story is to point out that puppies found the whole process WAY too interesting. Mistake number 1 was doing it when they were wide awake. Mistake number 2 was trying to do it where they all had access. I was trying to hurry so the scale and my ipad didn't power off while I swtiched puppies. So we all had quite the time with me trying to get one puppy and one puppy alone on the scale. The ones not on the scale in the 'basket' wanted on the scale or to be in the basket or chewing on the basket and the one IN the baslet was trying to get out to play with the others. It was an adventure but I am pretty certain I got reasonable weights on each pony (they are definitely not tiny little puppies these days.)
They helped me with laundry several times today, especially by making sure that one of their outside blankets didn't blow away when I tried to pick it up to take it to the washing machine ;-)
When I brought them inside after dinner and potty/play time, I put the big dogs in crates/behind gates and called the puppies to come into the pen. A couple of them made it straight in, a couple flew by and had to come back to the door and one got upset that everyone els ewas in there getting cheese and tried jumping up on the ex pen protesting loudly until suddenly realization dawned and it darted for the gate. Unfortunately, by that point, Jack had moved his gate to come get some of the cheese so I had to lift that one over the gate. Then they all practiced sitting nicely for cheese.
They played a little bit more and then sacked out while I was straining the kefir. The goat milk version is less stinky than when I use cow milk. I think I'm going ot try powdered goat milk next time since I am out of canned.
Their cousin Caly is staying with us a few days. She is more comfortable with them and this morning she was play bowing and doing her hound dog bark (she is NOT a hound dog, she's a PWD). Twice today, I heard a puppy do a version of that 'bark'. I don't know if it's coincidence or genetic.
I think it's time for us to say nighty, nighty, nighty. Puppy breath to all
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
April 22, 2015 Pupdate
The puppies continue to be adorable little creature (albeit with needle sharp teeth that they like to demonstrate for whoever happens to be within range. They are getting pretty good at stopping that with me for the most part but they still try them out.
They met 3 new people today. My 97 year old grandmother, my aunt -she's my mother's identical twin but I m counting her as a spearet person anyway ;-); an dmy cousin's 3 year old daughter. In spite of the puppies biting at her, pulling her hair and clothes and trying to all be on top of her at once, she kept asking to get back in the pen with them or to go outside with them. She wold've preferred to ake them up from their naps but she did comply with my wishes to let them sleep so they could grow.
So while they slept, she played with their toys on the deck - the playhouse, seesaw rocker, picnic table, buckets, bowls and then their actual toys were great fun for her (after she tired of putting the leash on and off of the big dogs.) The puppies seemed to like her, her hair was especially tasty ;-)
There was something they did this morning that I meant to write down for the blog but I didn't do it right then. I was cleaning at the time and now I can't remember what it was. I'm pretty sure it's just lack of sleep keeping my memory functioning in it's normal way but I guess we'll find that out after I start sleeping. I really should be taking naps but things keep conspring against that.
My laptop appears to be deader than 4 o'clock so that's sucked up some of my time. Since I hate and despise that sort of thing, it's an inordinate amount of time imo. The puppes are awfully cute though so that helps.
It was cool, rainy and windy again today. The babies seemed to enjoy the weather just fine but I don't like it. I've felt cold and uncomfortable outide with them, to the point that I brought them inside for no other reason. If I am not outside with them I leave the door open so I can hear them and check on them frequently (which defined here means nearly contsantly but frequently sounds slightly better) and the room was getting cold, too. Pretty sure it is not approved on earth day to attempt to heat the whole out of doors ;-) I THINK it's supposed to be nicer tomorrow. And their cousin Caly is coming to stay with me through the weekend.
I really need to try to sleep so I am going to say nighty, nighty, nighty to all.
They met 3 new people today. My 97 year old grandmother, my aunt -she's my mother's identical twin but I m counting her as a spearet person anyway ;-); an dmy cousin's 3 year old daughter. In spite of the puppies biting at her, pulling her hair and clothes and trying to all be on top of her at once, she kept asking to get back in the pen with them or to go outside with them. She wold've preferred to ake them up from their naps but she did comply with my wishes to let them sleep so they could grow.
So while they slept, she played with their toys on the deck - the playhouse, seesaw rocker, picnic table, buckets, bowls and then their actual toys were great fun for her (after she tired of putting the leash on and off of the big dogs.) The puppies seemed to like her, her hair was especially tasty ;-)
There was something they did this morning that I meant to write down for the blog but I didn't do it right then. I was cleaning at the time and now I can't remember what it was. I'm pretty sure it's just lack of sleep keeping my memory functioning in it's normal way but I guess we'll find that out after I start sleeping. I really should be taking naps but things keep conspring against that.
My laptop appears to be deader than 4 o'clock so that's sucked up some of my time. Since I hate and despise that sort of thing, it's an inordinate amount of time imo. The puppes are awfully cute though so that helps.
It was cool, rainy and windy again today. The babies seemed to enjoy the weather just fine but I don't like it. I've felt cold and uncomfortable outide with them, to the point that I brought them inside for no other reason. If I am not outside with them I leave the door open so I can hear them and check on them frequently (which defined here means nearly contsantly but frequently sounds slightly better) and the room was getting cold, too. Pretty sure it is not approved on earth day to attempt to heat the whole out of doors ;-) I THINK it's supposed to be nicer tomorrow. And their cousin Caly is coming to stay with me through the weekend.
I really need to try to sleep so I am going to say nighty, nighty, nighty to all.
Monday, April 20, 2015
April 20, 2015 7 weeks old!
I can't believe the babies are already 7 weeks old. They have just gotten cuter and sweeter and more adorable each day. They are eating very well and sometimes sleep in the water dish (usually they've paddled all of the water out but not all.)
It started off kind of rainy today but they weren't ready to come inside so we played outside and then had a nap in the playhouse. It was pretty windy today and one of the tunnels kept blowing into the fence and making a big racket. None of them were the sightest bit concerned. Good puppies!
I expanded their pen to the final size today, too. It cuts off Jack's retriieving area some but the babies need the space. Then I played with them individaully a little bit in the pen mostly on sitting and crating. They seemed to enjoy it. Problem was the big dogs wanted in on the clicker time so I had to abort one session and close the doors to the pen for the other puppies.
It eventually got really gusty so I brought the puppies inside for their late afternoon nap. Several of today's new toys make noise and are animated. I had to take the Christmas stocking singing reindeer off the side of the pen because they were pulling on it so hard that the ex pen was getting all whomperjawed. They still have other things that make noises plus the old standby vtech piano. They love that thing.
They've graduated to not needing a feeding as often so I am doing last call and going to sleep instead of getting up to do it in the middle of the night. It does get daylight earlier, too but we are working on closer to 7 than 6.
I love the way that they sit to wait for me to approach the pen. They always seem so happy to see me whether it's in the pen or the yard but they are getting better at holding the group sit to be lifted out of the pen or fed or whatever might be going to happen. They don't have as much patience when I've lifted one of the other puppies up to carry outside but they pretty well manage to get back into a sit as I come back over for the next one. As you can well imagine, it's awfully cute.
They are doing well with crate time. I haven't started individual crating yet but there's plenty of time left for that. Baby steps since they are indeed babies. I think I'll get a little more cuddle time (and puppy breath) before we sing the 3 songs and say Nighty, nighty, nighty
It started off kind of rainy today but they weren't ready to come inside so we played outside and then had a nap in the playhouse. It was pretty windy today and one of the tunnels kept blowing into the fence and making a big racket. None of them were the sightest bit concerned. Good puppies!
I expanded their pen to the final size today, too. It cuts off Jack's retriieving area some but the babies need the space. Then I played with them individaully a little bit in the pen mostly on sitting and crating. They seemed to enjoy it. Problem was the big dogs wanted in on the clicker time so I had to abort one session and close the doors to the pen for the other puppies.
It eventually got really gusty so I brought the puppies inside for their late afternoon nap. Several of today's new toys make noise and are animated. I had to take the Christmas stocking singing reindeer off the side of the pen because they were pulling on it so hard that the ex pen was getting all whomperjawed. They still have other things that make noises plus the old standby vtech piano. They love that thing.
They've graduated to not needing a feeding as often so I am doing last call and going to sleep instead of getting up to do it in the middle of the night. It does get daylight earlier, too but we are working on closer to 7 than 6.
I love the way that they sit to wait for me to approach the pen. They always seem so happy to see me whether it's in the pen or the yard but they are getting better at holding the group sit to be lifted out of the pen or fed or whatever might be going to happen. They don't have as much patience when I've lifted one of the other puppies up to carry outside but they pretty well manage to get back into a sit as I come back over for the next one. As you can well imagine, it's awfully cute.
They are doing well with crate time. I haven't started individual crating yet but there's plenty of time left for that. Baby steps since they are indeed babies. I think I'll get a little more cuddle time (and puppy breath) before we sing the 3 songs and say Nighty, nighty, nighty
Sunday, April 19, 2015
April 19, 2015 Pupdate
Good morning Wild Things! Not having an accurate poop count didn't hurt us in the no pooping overnight department. Yay Puppies!
I wish I had some of their energy this morning. They sound like a pack of angry jackals taking down some prey and then arguing over it. They've been in and out of the planter in the corner of the yard (the one that is there ot slow Caly down from heading over the fence to go to the pond) chewing on the as yet dormant of lavendar plants (they may not recover from this but that's ok), found a new breach in the blocking of of stair access to puppies (we moved that piece of gate to block off the dog door from dogs wet from the pond yesterday and didn't put it back just right) to see if they could figure out how to come in the dog door; 'helped' me with luandry by trying to rip holes in my ankles; and as I type are waging great battles over an empty water bottle. I think they are starting to drop off to sleep though.
It hasn't rained yet so I don't have to worry too much about them getting cold outside and they have a dry blanky in the playhouse. I find it ceaselessly entertaining that they go from 100 miles a minute to going into the playhouse and sound asleep in a few short seconds.
They have mastered running with objects and have made a really good start on climbing with objects. They are sometimes thwarted by a sibling who thinks that the other end of whatever they are trailing looks like fun and it disturb their balance a little but sometimes they make it where they were going with the toy still in their mouth.
It's now hours later, almost time to go nighty, nighty, nighty - the pupsters are all having a little rest before I do last call. Dog CIndi came over this afternoon and we played with the puppies individually in the pool room. We managed to keep them from going onto the pool cover but several of them thought it looked pretty fun.
They had to spend a chunk of the afternoon iinside because it was rainy and coldishh and I didn't want them to get chilled (and I didn't want to be cold and wet either. I took them back outside for their dinner and they stayed out there until nearly 10. I stayed with them from before dark until they came inside but most of the time, they slept in the playhouse. I woke them up and led them out into the yard to potty before we came inside. It was their first time outside in the dark (there were lights on but it was dark outside) but they didn't seem to react at all. Good little HoneyBadger puppies!
I'm going to give them their bites a little earlier tonight and hope it doesn't result in them rattling the bars of the pen telling me they are starving. So we are going to say nighty, nighty, nighty and send puppy breath to all
I wish I had some of their energy this morning. They sound like a pack of angry jackals taking down some prey and then arguing over it. They've been in and out of the planter in the corner of the yard (the one that is there ot slow Caly down from heading over the fence to go to the pond) chewing on the as yet dormant of lavendar plants (they may not recover from this but that's ok), found a new breach in the blocking of of stair access to puppies (we moved that piece of gate to block off the dog door from dogs wet from the pond yesterday and didn't put it back just right) to see if they could figure out how to come in the dog door; 'helped' me with luandry by trying to rip holes in my ankles; and as I type are waging great battles over an empty water bottle. I think they are starting to drop off to sleep though.
It hasn't rained yet so I don't have to worry too much about them getting cold outside and they have a dry blanky in the playhouse. I find it ceaselessly entertaining that they go from 100 miles a minute to going into the playhouse and sound asleep in a few short seconds.
They have mastered running with objects and have made a really good start on climbing with objects. They are sometimes thwarted by a sibling who thinks that the other end of whatever they are trailing looks like fun and it disturb their balance a little but sometimes they make it where they were going with the toy still in their mouth.
It's now hours later, almost time to go nighty, nighty, nighty - the pupsters are all having a little rest before I do last call. Dog CIndi came over this afternoon and we played with the puppies individually in the pool room. We managed to keep them from going onto the pool cover but several of them thought it looked pretty fun.
They had to spend a chunk of the afternoon iinside because it was rainy and coldishh and I didn't want them to get chilled (and I didn't want to be cold and wet either. I took them back outside for their dinner and they stayed out there until nearly 10. I stayed with them from before dark until they came inside but most of the time, they slept in the playhouse. I woke them up and led them out into the yard to potty before we came inside. It was their first time outside in the dark (there were lights on but it was dark outside) but they didn't seem to react at all. Good little HoneyBadger puppies!
I'm going to give them their bites a little earlier tonight and hope it doesn't result in them rattling the bars of the pen telling me they are starving. So we are going to say nighty, nighty, nighty and send puppy breath to all
Saturday, April 18, 2015
April 18, 2015 Pupdate
Hmmm, what did we do today... we went outside first thing but we did take a detour by the mama Dog on the way. She was content to just stand in the middle of the room to nurse them so I had to put her on a leash to take them outside. She nursed them for a long time before they went on oout into the grass to potty. Then they had a nice healthy breakfast.
We hung out until the villagers began arriving. The puppies were happy to welcome their dog and human family members. We dremeled all of their toenails and they were oretty cooperative. They were sleepy but woke up enough to enjoy the cream cheese.
Trek (their cousin born last July) absolutely adores the puppies but also seems to think he is still a baby himself (he wants in the pen, etc.)
We took the puppies and JillyBean up to the pond in dog Cndi's van then we let the other big dogs go on foot. After the big dogs ran amok and swam, and it warmed up a little more, we put most of the big dogs in the barking lot and had the puppies' frst swim. I found the water pretty cold but it didn't seem to bother any of them. Aside from a couple of them being sleepy and not bothering to swim at first (one of them just floated for a moment or 2 before swimming. I have my hands right there all along so nothing can happen but I prefer them not to surprise me) and then most of them deciding they aren't quite done swimming yet and just swimmng on along the shoreline instead fo getting out, it went very well. Dog Cindi took video and it's on facebook.
After the swm, I gave the puppies showers - in the real shower like the big dogs instead of in the sink like puppies. Then they had a slightly delated lunch and some more napping. They'd play and nap and play and nap.
They were also treaated to the sounds of the tractor and lawn mower this evening since it appears more rain is headed our way. Then they had dinner and the Mama topped them off (again). I tried to wait for everyone ot potty but only 2 of them needed to poop. The problem with not being with them every minute is I can't keep track of who owes me a poop. I mmay take them outside again at last call to see if anyone feels the need to go.
I think for now though, we are going to say Nighty, nighty, noghty. Puppy breath to all!
We hung out until the villagers began arriving. The puppies were happy to welcome their dog and human family members. We dremeled all of their toenails and they were oretty cooperative. They were sleepy but woke up enough to enjoy the cream cheese.
Trek (their cousin born last July) absolutely adores the puppies but also seems to think he is still a baby himself (he wants in the pen, etc.)
We took the puppies and JillyBean up to the pond in dog Cndi's van then we let the other big dogs go on foot. After the big dogs ran amok and swam, and it warmed up a little more, we put most of the big dogs in the barking lot and had the puppies' frst swim. I found the water pretty cold but it didn't seem to bother any of them. Aside from a couple of them being sleepy and not bothering to swim at first (one of them just floated for a moment or 2 before swimming. I have my hands right there all along so nothing can happen but I prefer them not to surprise me) and then most of them deciding they aren't quite done swimming yet and just swimmng on along the shoreline instead fo getting out, it went very well. Dog Cindi took video and it's on facebook.
After the swm, I gave the puppies showers - in the real shower like the big dogs instead of in the sink like puppies. Then they had a slightly delated lunch and some more napping. They'd play and nap and play and nap.
They were also treaated to the sounds of the tractor and lawn mower this evening since it appears more rain is headed our way. Then they had dinner and the Mama topped them off (again). I tried to wait for everyone ot potty but only 2 of them needed to poop. The problem with not being with them every minute is I can't keep track of who owes me a poop. I mmay take them outside again at last call to see if anyone feels the need to go.
I think for now though, we are going to say Nighty, nighty, noghty. Puppy breath to all!
Friday, April 17, 2015
April 17, 2015 Pupdate
It was Botox Day AND my replacement Zaggfolio for my ipad came! And the puppies got cuter and cuter!
Dog CIndi came over to pupysit while I went to the neurologist to get my injections. the puppies and I got up a little early (but it was already daylight) and I changed out their linens and they were napping in the playhouse by the time she arrived. The MSU kept an eye on them while I went up to shower and get ready to go and I opened the window to the bathroom so I could hear them.
Either the puppies were awake when Cindi arrived or the greeting from the big dogs woke them up becuase I heard her talking to them. Apparently, they were happy to see each other. Judging by the videos and pictures she took and posted to Facebook, I think she had a decent time even if she is sick ;-)
After I returned form the dr, we loadaed up the napping pupsters and Mama B and took them for a little ride. We drove to the mall and went through a drive through (very crowded, stop creep stop creep) and then parked in a lot off of Rt 60 so they could observe traffic. Mayor Bumble threw up as we pulled in there but otherwise was fine. None of them were concerned or impressed with the traffic but they need positive exposure. There was more puking as we drove out Fudge Creek on the way home but they were happy to nurse as soon as we got them out of the van. We had them follow us/B back into the gate.
They played a little and resumed their nap before it was lunch time. I fed them and then as I got the big dog's ready, Cindi snuck out. Bela is much more interested in food these days so that's the perfect way to keep her frm wondering about her mama. I've used puppies before but that feels mean to me so I don't want to do it.
When the puppies took their big afternoon nap, I brought them inside and I took one as well. I am a little (lot) behind on the sleeping thing these days. We played outside in the by then really nice day, glad the MSU got the ez up piece epoxied and back on so we could have the shade on the deck and on their playhouse.
I still have to go strain that kefir, they did seem to enjoy the other but they haven't said no to any type of tood ;-) Hope I don't hurl. Then maybe a little presleep (they are sleeping now, we came in just before dark). So we'll say Nighty, Nighty, Nghty to all and wish ou sweet dreams of puppy breath
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Dog CIndi came over to pupysit while I went to the neurologist to get my injections. the puppies and I got up a little early (but it was already daylight) and I changed out their linens and they were napping in the playhouse by the time she arrived. The MSU kept an eye on them while I went up to shower and get ready to go and I opened the window to the bathroom so I could hear them.
Either the puppies were awake when Cindi arrived or the greeting from the big dogs woke them up becuase I heard her talking to them. Apparently, they were happy to see each other. Judging by the videos and pictures she took and posted to Facebook, I think she had a decent time even if she is sick ;-)
After I returned form the dr, we loadaed up the napping pupsters and Mama B and took them for a little ride. We drove to the mall and went through a drive through (very crowded, stop creep stop creep) and then parked in a lot off of Rt 60 so they could observe traffic. Mayor Bumble threw up as we pulled in there but otherwise was fine. None of them were concerned or impressed with the traffic but they need positive exposure. There was more puking as we drove out Fudge Creek on the way home but they were happy to nurse as soon as we got them out of the van. We had them follow us/B back into the gate.
They played a little and resumed their nap before it was lunch time. I fed them and then as I got the big dog's ready, Cindi snuck out. Bela is much more interested in food these days so that's the perfect way to keep her frm wondering about her mama. I've used puppies before but that feels mean to me so I don't want to do it.
When the puppies took their big afternoon nap, I brought them inside and I took one as well. I am a little (lot) behind on the sleeping thing these days. We played outside in the by then really nice day, glad the MSU got the ez up piece epoxied and back on so we could have the shade on the deck and on their playhouse.
I still have to go strain that kefir, they did seem to enjoy the other but they haven't said no to any type of tood ;-) Hope I don't hurl. Then maybe a little presleep (they are sleeping now, we came in just before dark). So we'll say Nighty, Nighty, Nghty to all and wish ou sweet dreams of puppy breath
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, April 16, 2015
April 16, 2015 pupdate
April 16, 2015 pupdate
I turned over this morning and all of the little poppets were sitting at the edge of the crate and potty area looking at me (presumably). It was daylight so I fed them and took them outside to potty. And then, since I was awake until 4am, I brought them back inside and I went back to sleep while they played relatively quietly and napped as well.
We went back outside and enjoyed the weather (they enjoyed the rainy bits a lot more than I did I must say.) They play in the rain just as happily as they do in the fair weather but I quickly become weary of the rainy part. At least I can sit just inside the door part of the time.
We've been having a foraging kind of lunch. Some of it was in the satelllite bowls with water so they had to fish it out. More of it was in kong or jolly balls in various locations like the castle sandbox. They didn't have trouble with any of it so they still aren't going hungry. Their mama still tops them off several times a day, too but I've managed to keep her from giving them her meals again lately.
The puppies had just gone outside this morning when the old girls noticed that there were INTRUDERS in the yard. For some reason, geese were in the yard instead of the pond. I guess the big dogs haven't been spending enough time up there to keep them moving. But they were very, very adamant that the geese move on and eventually the geese went back into the pond.
My keyboard case for my ipad broke and my computer is being contrary but a new case is on the way so it will be easier to type again.
I took them for a little walk outside the fence today. They were sneaking out between the gate and the wall so I took them out the back gate and around the back of the house then through the yard and down the driveway to the gate on the deck back into the dog yard. They were very good to stay with me and then when they cuddled up in the playhouse, I put another section of ex pen to block them from squiggling out again. I'm pretty certain that's our only defense they can breach.
We're going to say nighty, nighty, nighty for tonight. Puppy breath to all
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
I turned over this morning and all of the little poppets were sitting at the edge of the crate and potty area looking at me (presumably). It was daylight so I fed them and took them outside to potty. And then, since I was awake until 4am, I brought them back inside and I went back to sleep while they played relatively quietly and napped as well.
We went back outside and enjoyed the weather (they enjoyed the rainy bits a lot more than I did I must say.) They play in the rain just as happily as they do in the fair weather but I quickly become weary of the rainy part. At least I can sit just inside the door part of the time.
We've been having a foraging kind of lunch. Some of it was in the satelllite bowls with water so they had to fish it out. More of it was in kong or jolly balls in various locations like the castle sandbox. They didn't have trouble with any of it so they still aren't going hungry. Their mama still tops them off several times a day, too but I've managed to keep her from giving them her meals again lately.
The puppies had just gone outside this morning when the old girls noticed that there were INTRUDERS in the yard. For some reason, geese were in the yard instead of the pond. I guess the big dogs haven't been spending enough time up there to keep them moving. But they were very, very adamant that the geese move on and eventually the geese went back into the pond.
My keyboard case for my ipad broke and my computer is being contrary but a new case is on the way so it will be easier to type again.
I took them for a little walk outside the fence today. They were sneaking out between the gate and the wall so I took them out the back gate and around the back of the house then through the yard and down the driveway to the gate on the deck back into the dog yard. They were very good to stay with me and then when they cuddled up in the playhouse, I put another section of ex pen to block them from squiggling out again. I'm pretty certain that's our only defense they can breach.
We're going to say nighty, nighty, nighty for tonight. Puppy breath to all
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
April 15, 2015 Pupdate
The pupsters had a good day - better than me but fortunately y Botox appointment is Friday. I hope he does a better job this time than last. But a migraine is better with puppy cuddles than without at any rate.
It does make it harder to remember what happened today though. The puppies were adorable obviously. And they had a few outings during the day and weren't quite so upset to come inside out of the rain.
They are doing well with group crating, I think tomorrow during naptime we are going to do some individual crating in preparation for night time individual crating (but beside each other).
Cindi came by this evening with Debbie and her granddaughter so they all got to experience the new biting prowess of the puppies. And see them demonstrating their climbing abilities as they played king of mountain on the castle sandbox.
And now that I've had to dismantle the unnamed toy because the puppies were pulling it all over the place, I've found out the name. It's an adventure box. We'll have to switch back to hanging things from the ex pen for their remaining time.
They are getting more teeth so I think we are about ready to add in some more food choices - something they can work their little teeth and jaws into besides each other and me ;-)
I 'made' kefir for the puppies and strained it out tonight. I'm not sure I have the stomach to keep doing that. It was hours ago and I still think I smell it. Yech, I don't notice the stuff we bought smelling like this but it's cold. I'll have to see if I can chill it before I strain it in the future.
The puppies are sleeping quietly, I'd better get some sleep or I'll be too tired to play with the puppies tomorrow. Nighty, nighty, nighty...
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
It does make it harder to remember what happened today though. The puppies were adorable obviously. And they had a few outings during the day and weren't quite so upset to come inside out of the rain.
They are doing well with group crating, I think tomorrow during naptime we are going to do some individual crating in preparation for night time individual crating (but beside each other).
Cindi came by this evening with Debbie and her granddaughter so they all got to experience the new biting prowess of the puppies. And see them demonstrating their climbing abilities as they played king of mountain on the castle sandbox.
And now that I've had to dismantle the unnamed toy because the puppies were pulling it all over the place, I've found out the name. It's an adventure box. We'll have to switch back to hanging things from the ex pen for their remaining time.
They are getting more teeth so I think we are about ready to add in some more food choices - something they can work their little teeth and jaws into besides each other and me ;-)
I 'made' kefir for the puppies and strained it out tonight. I'm not sure I have the stomach to keep doing that. It was hours ago and I still think I smell it. Yech, I don't notice the stuff we bought smelling like this but it's cold. I'll have to see if I can chill it before I strain it in the future.
The puppies are sleeping quietly, I'd better get some sleep or I'll be too tired to play with the puppies tomorrow. Nighty, nighty, nighty...
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
April 14, 2015 Pupdate
Good morning, good morning the little dogs say. But they do wait until it's daylight. I was up well before them this morning and I waited until it was light in the room before I turned on the lights and took them out to eat breakfast. And we didn't have any pooping in the pen again! We are doing very well on that front. They also did a great job making it across the room to go outside without peeing on the way this morning.
They were not too happy with my choice of handling the weather today. It was very rainy and rather chilly so I wouldn't let them stay outside as much as yesterday. They were quite vocal about their desire to go play outside. And I got pretty wet carrying wet puppies back in the house.
They are becoming very sure footed. They are climbing on top of the castle playhouse and on the kiddie picnic table. They've also figured out that when they want to jump up or over something, they stand a better chance if they back up a little and really leap at it.
They are also getting pretty good at using their teeth. I switched into my rubber boots to protect me ankles/legs/feet from them this evening. That helped a lot.
They are still really cuddly and very sweet, I think I'll go have another little cuddle before we sing the 3 songs and say nighty, nighty, nighty
They were not too happy with my choice of handling the weather today. It was very rainy and rather chilly so I wouldn't let them stay outside as much as yesterday. They were quite vocal about their desire to go play outside. And I got pretty wet carrying wet puppies back in the house.
They are becoming very sure footed. They are climbing on top of the castle playhouse and on the kiddie picnic table. They've also figured out that when they want to jump up or over something, they stand a better chance if they back up a little and really leap at it.
They are also getting pretty good at using their teeth. I switched into my rubber boots to protect me ankles/legs/feet from them this evening. That helped a lot.
They are still really cuddly and very sweet, I think I'll go have another little cuddle before we sing the 3 songs and say nighty, nighty, nighty
Monday, April 13, 2015
April 13, 2014 6 weeks old!
The puppies, Bela nd I have spent a large chunk of today hanging out outside. This afternoon/evening Bela has been actively playiing with the babies in the yard and on the deck. It's very sweet. She is very much choosing to do it as she could go to the other side of the fencing if she wanted to be outside but not interacting with them. Aunt Sammiedoodlebug ahs played with them some today, too but not as much as B. The puppies play with their flags and the girls lie down so they can jump at their faces and play bitey mouth. I'm a little surprised that Bela hasn't done it with a toy in her mouth like she does everyone else (human or canine.)
The registration forms came in the mail today so that's ready. CIndi is working on printing the info for the puppy books for me so they should be guaranteed to be legible (I can't tell what comes out of the printer) since I sent the colored paper with her a while back and gave her Bela's Very Important Folder from my Binder of Dog Information. I need to make the crate blankies soon, too.
There was a lot of pre-forecasted rain yardwork done here today by the MSU so the puppies got to here the tractor a lot, the lawn mower in the dog yard, Burnie going up and down the driveway beside the dog yard, the leaf blower (very, very loud in my opinion. I'm glad it has moved down the driveway.) and the thing that flings grass seeds all over the yard. Possibly more but those are the ones I recall at the moment.
They show interest in some things but if they are asleep, nada. And so far, no one has shown any fear or concern. They are starting to sack out again now and it's there normally scheduled dinner time. I guess it will be a little later this evening.
I had to set the ez up up today because they sun was getting too warm. I rearranged the items on the deck to accomodate it and have attempted to block access to the grill. They are getting big enough to chew on the wheels for real and that doesn't seem safe to me.
Today's picnic lunch was in the castle sandbox (there is no sand in the sandbox). Everyone managed to climb in to eat without any difficulty or fussing. We'll have to do it in one of the pools with water soon (not too much water or the food floats out, I have discovered the hard way).
I had better get the stuff inside before it commences to rain (or gets dark whichever comes first) and then feed the babies and big dogs. Bela gave her dinner to the puppies last night in spite of having seen me feed them. She nursed them first, too. I'm hoping to prevent future recurrences of that.
Have I mentioned that these puppies are absolutely adorable? And sweet? Well they still are and they keep getting more and more so. I may be prejudiced (or maybe I'm high on puppy breath) but I don't think that's it. I think they are just some of the cutest puppies ever. We are going to say nighty, nighty,nighty to you a little early tonight. Maybe I'll get in some early pre sleeping while they do.
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
The registration forms came in the mail today so that's ready. CIndi is working on printing the info for the puppy books for me so they should be guaranteed to be legible (I can't tell what comes out of the printer) since I sent the colored paper with her a while back and gave her Bela's Very Important Folder from my Binder of Dog Information. I need to make the crate blankies soon, too.
There was a lot of pre-forecasted rain yardwork done here today by the MSU so the puppies got to here the tractor a lot, the lawn mower in the dog yard, Burnie going up and down the driveway beside the dog yard, the leaf blower (very, very loud in my opinion. I'm glad it has moved down the driveway.) and the thing that flings grass seeds all over the yard. Possibly more but those are the ones I recall at the moment.
They show interest in some things but if they are asleep, nada. And so far, no one has shown any fear or concern. They are starting to sack out again now and it's there normally scheduled dinner time. I guess it will be a little later this evening.
I had to set the ez up up today because they sun was getting too warm. I rearranged the items on the deck to accomodate it and have attempted to block access to the grill. They are getting big enough to chew on the wheels for real and that doesn't seem safe to me.
Today's picnic lunch was in the castle sandbox (there is no sand in the sandbox). Everyone managed to climb in to eat without any difficulty or fussing. We'll have to do it in one of the pools with water soon (not too much water or the food floats out, I have discovered the hard way).
I had better get the stuff inside before it commences to rain (or gets dark whichever comes first) and then feed the babies and big dogs. Bela gave her dinner to the puppies last night in spite of having seen me feed them. She nursed them first, too. I'm hoping to prevent future recurrences of that.
Have I mentioned that these puppies are absolutely adorable? And sweet? Well they still are and they keep getting more and more so. I may be prejudiced (or maybe I'm high on puppy breath) but I don't think that's it. I think they are just some of the cutest puppies ever. We are going to say nighty, nighty,nighty to you a little early tonight. Maybe I'll get in some early pre sleeping while they do.
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Sunday, April 12, 2015
April 11, 2015 Pupdate
So I was a very bad blogger and just didn't get anything written yesterday. The puppies (and the people) were too busy having fun. They are still doing well with the going outdoors to potty. They request to go outside and have a pretty obvious potty dance (to me anyway, last night Dog CIndi was in the pen and I said I think that puppy is doing the potty dance but she thought he was just zooming around with the others but then he pooped - but it was in the right area. If I don't get them outside or some reason, I can easily put a paper towel under them while they go.)
It was a little chilly yesterday but nicely sunny for our outdoor time.
After mid/late morning (I have no sense of time these days, I feed puppies when the alarm goes off and that's all I really know.
Notes from yesterday: They are getting really good at running with toys, even pretty large toys. They were also pllaying king of the mountain on a rolled up rug (I need less dog help to roll it out) and enjoyed that a lot. They aren't too worried about new things in their environment, they seem to regard them more as something put out for their amusement. (But then again, most things are)
We held a weight watchers meeting last night to satisfy our curiosity. Cumulative puppy weight is now almost as much as their mother's. Mayor Bumble sneaked up over Vespu again by .2 lbs. She is 8 and he is 8.2. Buzz E is 7.2; Honey and Bizzy are right at 7lbs and 'little' Green Hornet is just .2 lb behind them at 6.8 lbs. I THINK I can stop worrying much about them gaining weight. I'll find something new to worry about.
Cindi took the camera card this morning when she left for the trial so maybe the pictures will be on there soon. I think they may have another photo shoot today.
I don't know if I will manage to write again today or not. If not, you can assume that the puppies are busy being adorable.
It was a little chilly yesterday but nicely sunny for our outdoor time.
After mid/late morning (I have no sense of time these days, I feed puppies when the alarm goes off and that's all I really know.
Notes from yesterday: They are getting really good at running with toys, even pretty large toys. They were also pllaying king of the mountain on a rolled up rug (I need less dog help to roll it out) and enjoyed that a lot. They aren't too worried about new things in their environment, they seem to regard them more as something put out for their amusement. (But then again, most things are)
We held a weight watchers meeting last night to satisfy our curiosity. Cumulative puppy weight is now almost as much as their mother's. Mayor Bumble sneaked up over Vespu again by .2 lbs. She is 8 and he is 8.2. Buzz E is 7.2; Honey and Bizzy are right at 7lbs and 'little' Green Hornet is just .2 lb behind them at 6.8 lbs. I THINK I can stop worrying much about them gaining weight. I'll find something new to worry about.
Cindi took the camera card this morning when she left for the trial so maybe the pictures will be on there soon. I think they may have another photo shoot today.
I don't know if I will manage to write again today or not. If not, you can assume that the puppies are busy being adorable.
Friday, April 10, 2015
April 10, 2015 Pupdate
April 10, 2015 Pupdate
More visitors! The puppies' daddy dog , Mojo, brought his humans and his mother and sister to meet them. They came all of the way from Georgia and then only the humans got to see the puppies.
New thing puppies are doing - running along the ex pen line along with Jack as he retrieves his monkey paw. Absolutely adorable!
The weaather threw off our strctly outdoor pooping rcord this morning. It POURED the rain and lightninged (is that a word) and thundered right after I got them their breakfast so we didn't go outside as a group. a couple of the puppies were adamant about needing to go outside so i took them. Even with an umbrella I got soaking wet and so did they. But they didnt mind as they traipsed arund the yard and pottying There was water pooling in the low spot to the drain and they just went wading right on into it. Still, only one puppy couldn't wait and pooped in the potty area. They all have no qualms about peeing on the deck but will choose to go out into the grass.
They were pretty good today when I had to bring them back inside because it was so windy. But there was one puppy awake when they others were asleep and that puppy proceeded to cry and holler. I was upstairs taking washing my hair so the MSU took it outside to potty but that wasn't what it wanted. Pretty sure it was asking to be carried around. I'll have to make a point to let them all have some time alone like that. Thye've been good about it up until now so maybe it was an aberration but i want to make sure it becomes an aberration even if it wasn' one.
They played for a longer period of time this evening and we had woken them up from a nappy time. I'm sure they did it all kinds of other stuff but I woke up at 4am (storm woke me) and didn't have a nap so I am going to go put the black bean soup for tomorrow's trial away and prepare myself and the puppies for nighty, nighty, nighty, We'll sing the 3 song really loudly to help alll of you go to sleep well, too. ;-)
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
More visitors! The puppies' daddy dog , Mojo, brought his humans and his mother and sister to meet them. They came all of the way from Georgia and then only the humans got to see the puppies.
New thing puppies are doing - running along the ex pen line along with Jack as he retrieves his monkey paw. Absolutely adorable!
The weaather threw off our strctly outdoor pooping rcord this morning. It POURED the rain and lightninged (is that a word) and thundered right after I got them their breakfast so we didn't go outside as a group. a couple of the puppies were adamant about needing to go outside so i took them. Even with an umbrella I got soaking wet and so did they. But they didnt mind as they traipsed arund the yard and pottying There was water pooling in the low spot to the drain and they just went wading right on into it. Still, only one puppy couldn't wait and pooped in the potty area. They all have no qualms about peeing on the deck but will choose to go out into the grass.
They were pretty good today when I had to bring them back inside because it was so windy. But there was one puppy awake when they others were asleep and that puppy proceeded to cry and holler. I was upstairs taking washing my hair so the MSU took it outside to potty but that wasn't what it wanted. Pretty sure it was asking to be carried around. I'll have to make a point to let them all have some time alone like that. Thye've been good about it up until now so maybe it was an aberration but i want to make sure it becomes an aberration even if it wasn' one.
They played for a longer period of time this evening and we had woken them up from a nappy time. I'm sure they did it all kinds of other stuff but I woke up at 4am (storm woke me) and didn't have a nap so I am going to go put the black bean soup for tomorrow's trial away and prepare myself and the puppies for nighty, nighty, nighty, We'll sing the 3 song really loudly to help alll of you go to sleep well, too. ;-)
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Thursday, April 9, 2015
April 9, 2015 Pupdate
And they've made it another night and day without having pooping in the house! Such good puppies! I carried them outside in pairs this morning because I didn't want to make them wait while I contained the big dogs out of the way and I knew they'd get distracted and pee on the way.
They ran out into the grass to pee and then came bounding back onto the deck for bite-having. I switched them over to the big satellite bowl and they have a little more space. I've also been leaving them some very weak goat milky water in case they need a drink.
It got pretty warm out there today and then sun shone hard between it looking like it was going to be a horrible storm (and iffen giving me dire warnings about the possibiity of same). I hung a blanket over the playhouse so they'd have a little extra shade and then I wet the whole thing down with the hose. I went ahead and washed the deck off while they were outside since it was so warm. Usually, I do it after they go to bed for the evening so they don't get a chill but that wasn't an issue today.
I think we might be almost too old for the toy wiht no name (their MiMI suggested a good name and it escapes me at the moment) because they were dragging the whole thing around by various toys on it. I had to take down the swing except for very supervised playtimes, too. They are growing.
Speaking if growing, I actually picked a puppy up and checked for teeth because they were doing a pretty effective job of bting my ankle. Still only using the four canines but they are little needle teeth. Funny how those sweet little mouths full of puppy breath that gve such gentle nice kisses to faces can be so treacherous as they learn about biting. We are starting redirect with a toy, now.
I've been taking them out for little walks individually and they are very good to follow/stay with me. So far, none of them have hesitated at any of the new surfaces. I think I need to consult my list to make sure they get all of the choices. I know we haven't walked on aluminum foil yet, I'm a little afraid they'll rip it up and I'll be having to fish pieces out of their mouths.
I THINK I am going to sleep upstairs in the bed tonight. I have my feeding time alarms set so I can just come down and feed them and go back to bed, I went back to sleep pretty quickly last night but i was down here. It's been nearly 6 weeks, they haven't really needed me the whole time as much as I rested more being where I could hear them than where I worried about the monitor.
I had to move the monitor because they were reaching thought the ex pen to try to get to the plug. I could find something to block their access but for now, it was quicker to just move it.
Bela and Jack are requesting my attention so I'm going to cuddle/throw the monkey paw a little before I go nighty, nghty, nighty. Puppy breath to all...
They ran out into the grass to pee and then came bounding back onto the deck for bite-having. I switched them over to the big satellite bowl and they have a little more space. I've also been leaving them some very weak goat milky water in case they need a drink.
It got pretty warm out there today and then sun shone hard between it looking like it was going to be a horrible storm (and iffen giving me dire warnings about the possibiity of same). I hung a blanket over the playhouse so they'd have a little extra shade and then I wet the whole thing down with the hose. I went ahead and washed the deck off while they were outside since it was so warm. Usually, I do it after they go to bed for the evening so they don't get a chill but that wasn't an issue today.
I think we might be almost too old for the toy wiht no name (their MiMI suggested a good name and it escapes me at the moment) because they were dragging the whole thing around by various toys on it. I had to take down the swing except for very supervised playtimes, too. They are growing.
Speaking if growing, I actually picked a puppy up and checked for teeth because they were doing a pretty effective job of bting my ankle. Still only using the four canines but they are little needle teeth. Funny how those sweet little mouths full of puppy breath that gve such gentle nice kisses to faces can be so treacherous as they learn about biting. We are starting redirect with a toy, now.
I've been taking them out for little walks individually and they are very good to follow/stay with me. So far, none of them have hesitated at any of the new surfaces. I think I need to consult my list to make sure they get all of the choices. I know we haven't walked on aluminum foil yet, I'm a little afraid they'll rip it up and I'll be having to fish pieces out of their mouths.
I THINK I am going to sleep upstairs in the bed tonight. I have my feeding time alarms set so I can just come down and feed them and go back to bed, I went back to sleep pretty quickly last night but i was down here. It's been nearly 6 weeks, they haven't really needed me the whole time as much as I rested more being where I could hear them than where I worried about the monitor.
I had to move the monitor because they were reaching thought the ex pen to try to get to the plug. I could find something to block their access but for now, it was quicker to just move it.
Bela and Jack are requesting my attention so I'm going to cuddle/throw the monkey paw a little before I go nighty, nghty, nighty. Puppy breath to all...
Wednesday, April 8, 2015
April 8, 2015 Happy Birthday to our Masters' Litter and Pupdate
The puppies want to wish their aunts and uncles a very Happy 8th Birthday. They were born unexpectedly (according to progesterone testing to determine ovulation, they were 6 days early but they were full term puppies) on the final day of the Masters that year (and Easter Sunday) in the family room and the kitchen.
These puppies celebrated by having a more than 24 hour streak of no pooping in the house. I brought them inside a little before dark last night and took them outside about 8:15 this am and nobody went in between. Good puppies! They continued that thoughout the day and that was a iittle more deliberate on their part since I had to make them come inside for the big storm (with accompanying high winds) in the middle of the day. They were not terribly amused by that and then a couple of the girls just would NOT settle down. So I picked them up individually and carried them outside. One of them peed and was then content in the pen and the other one pooped and was content. I don't know if they will conitnue to insist on that or not but I hope to be able to comply. The others held it until they went outside and had dinner.
Their Human Mimi and Didi were back this evening so they got some additional cuddling and chewing and biting of pant legs/shoes/ankles. They've been trying a little of that out on me but so far it's not that big a deal for me. I have had to tell them "i'm wearing that shoe" when they are walking so close to me that they step on my shoe when I am trying to take a step (it's a phrase commonly said to their canine family members, only rarely to humans).
They were unconcerned with the storms and we had some nice big lightning and loud thunder. I only classify it as nice when puppies are around, I'm not a fan of storms.
They are enjoying their new toys each day but still like the old ones (they almost always get the vtech toy in the pen) and the always popular dried out leaves that they find in the yard. There a mighty battles pitched for a leaf as well as great feats of hunting prowess to take down a menacing leaf. Obviously, I find their antics pretty amusing.
They've started napping in the playhouse more than anywhere else outside. Some of them on the raised bed, some under but no consistency to either place. Fortunately, they are used to sleeping through my near constant games of duck, duck, goose so it doesn't generally disturb them when I make certain they are all accounted for numerous times.
One of them went to sleep being cuddled by their Mimi and when my MIL arrived to visit, I took her so she could get up. I carried the sleeping puppy around for a while and handed her to Didi when I needed to prepare the old dogs' dinner (I started to type big dogs but Cooper is much smaller than the others) and she slept on and on.
I brought the others in at the edge of dark and they were awake so it wasn't such a disappointment to them. 3 of them were out by the fence but came bounding when called. They all played quietly (for puppies) in the pen and dropped off to sleep one by one. I have an alarm set for their night time feeding and then we'll go back to bed until at least daylight (I have an alarm set for that just in case I don't notice for some reason. The other dogs aren't early risers, so they aren't going to wake me up.
For now, they are sleeping so I'm going to get myself ready for nighty, nighty, nighty, too. They still have plenty of puppy breath to go around
These puppies celebrated by having a more than 24 hour streak of no pooping in the house. I brought them inside a little before dark last night and took them outside about 8:15 this am and nobody went in between. Good puppies! They continued that thoughout the day and that was a iittle more deliberate on their part since I had to make them come inside for the big storm (with accompanying high winds) in the middle of the day. They were not terribly amused by that and then a couple of the girls just would NOT settle down. So I picked them up individually and carried them outside. One of them peed and was then content in the pen and the other one pooped and was content. I don't know if they will conitnue to insist on that or not but I hope to be able to comply. The others held it until they went outside and had dinner.
Their Human Mimi and Didi were back this evening so they got some additional cuddling and chewing and biting of pant legs/shoes/ankles. They've been trying a little of that out on me but so far it's not that big a deal for me. I have had to tell them "i'm wearing that shoe" when they are walking so close to me that they step on my shoe when I am trying to take a step (it's a phrase commonly said to their canine family members, only rarely to humans).
They were unconcerned with the storms and we had some nice big lightning and loud thunder. I only classify it as nice when puppies are around, I'm not a fan of storms.
They are enjoying their new toys each day but still like the old ones (they almost always get the vtech toy in the pen) and the always popular dried out leaves that they find in the yard. There a mighty battles pitched for a leaf as well as great feats of hunting prowess to take down a menacing leaf. Obviously, I find their antics pretty amusing.
They've started napping in the playhouse more than anywhere else outside. Some of them on the raised bed, some under but no consistency to either place. Fortunately, they are used to sleeping through my near constant games of duck, duck, goose so it doesn't generally disturb them when I make certain they are all accounted for numerous times.
One of them went to sleep being cuddled by their Mimi and when my MIL arrived to visit, I took her so she could get up. I carried the sleeping puppy around for a while and handed her to Didi when I needed to prepare the old dogs' dinner (I started to type big dogs but Cooper is much smaller than the others) and she slept on and on.
I brought the others in at the edge of dark and they were awake so it wasn't such a disappointment to them. 3 of them were out by the fence but came bounding when called. They all played quietly (for puppies) in the pen and dropped off to sleep one by one. I have an alarm set for their night time feeding and then we'll go back to bed until at least daylight (I have an alarm set for that just in case I don't notice for some reason. The other dogs aren't early risers, so they aren't going to wake me up.
For now, they are sleeping so I'm going to get myself ready for nighty, nighty, nighty, too. They still have plenty of puppy breath to go around
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
April 7, 2015 Pupdate
I didn't plan the feedings as well today so they needed first breakfast before daylight. I THINK I have adjusted the schedule appropriately (by way of a little extra afternoon snack to make dinner later.) I prefer puppies not to believe that dogs eat before daylight (it seems much easier for new owners to adjust them to getting up earlier than later and I KNOW it is for me.) I did get back to sleep afterward but hope to do better tomorrow.
We went outside for several hours today. They seem to really enjoy it. We stayed outside for quite a while even after it began to rain. They were napping when it started so they didn't notice (part of them were in the playhouse and part of them were under the grill) and I got to stay inside of the open door. But then they woke up and went on about their little water dog business (potty and play and cavort around) so I walked around with an umbrella. (None of them reacted to the umbrella.) Eventually, I got tired of that and a they were getting pretty wet so I brought them inside. They were pretty good to follow me in until they encountered big dogs along the way. I got their Mama to go into the pen to lure them and that was effective.
The weather cleared up somewhat while they were napping so I let them go back outside for a while this evening. They eventually piled up in the playhouse on/under the raised bed and slept until it was almost dark. I wanted to come back inside so I crated part of the distracting big dogs (cooper wisely crated himself the first time they came inside). But then Bela took a detour onto the otteben bed instead of into the pen so Doodlebug and I had to round them back up. And because I called them in while they were asleep, they peed after they went into the pen (in the right area but a smarter/more coherent woman would've had them go before she brought them inside.)
They are being nice quiet little puppies now so I'm hoping to sleep for a while. Nighty, nighty, nighty
We went outside for several hours today. They seem to really enjoy it. We stayed outside for quite a while even after it began to rain. They were napping when it started so they didn't notice (part of them were in the playhouse and part of them were under the grill) and I got to stay inside of the open door. But then they woke up and went on about their little water dog business (potty and play and cavort around) so I walked around with an umbrella. (None of them reacted to the umbrella.) Eventually, I got tired of that and a they were getting pretty wet so I brought them inside. They were pretty good to follow me in until they encountered big dogs along the way. I got their Mama to go into the pen to lure them and that was effective.
The weather cleared up somewhat while they were napping so I let them go back outside for a while this evening. They eventually piled up in the playhouse on/under the raised bed and slept until it was almost dark. I wanted to come back inside so I crated part of the distracting big dogs (cooper wisely crated himself the first time they came inside). But then Bela took a detour onto the otteben bed instead of into the pen so Doodlebug and I had to round them back up. And because I called them in while they were asleep, they peed after they went into the pen (in the right area but a smarter/more coherent woman would've had them go before she brought them inside.)
They are being nice quiet little puppies now so I'm hoping to sleep for a while. Nighty, nighty, nighty
Monday, April 6, 2015
April 6, 2015 5 weeks old!
And they spent it being cute and smart and generally adorable! Today the puppy inmates got some actual 'yard time'! I opened the end section of ex pen on the deck so they could go out over the steppong stones, through the river rock and nto the actual grass area. It took some of them a little longer than others to notice/care - a couple of them didn't pay any attention until that's where we held the picnic and then they were all for it.
I do have to pay attention which way I turn it as it makes the pathway different. I prefer to block it from the yard side so they don't try to walk the edge of the deck between the ex pen and the rocks. It gradually slopes down and I don't want them doing stairs until they are older (4 months old according to the study I heard.)
Bizzy and Vespa have discovered the joy that is peeing out in the grass. Multiple times, they ran out there and peed. This evening, when Bela went out into the gras and opened the bar (and hung out with them a fair amount as well) we even got some poops out there. YAY puppies!
AuntieDoodlebug also keeps a close eye on them outside and keeps them company a lot of the tme. She likes puppies and always has. Cooper isn't entirely certain what he thinks of them but he politely avoids/retreats if they are bothering him. Jack just tells us to 'make them stop touching me' like he does with pretty much everey dog except CalySue.
We'll have to think up more exciting adventures for tomorrow. And then, I'll have to remember to make notes about them throughout the day. Today, I was busy being overly vigilant (it's better than under vigilant) about making certain that all of the dogs were happy together (the old dogs wanted to be near the people who were often near the puppies which was varying degrees of ok with them) to stop and take notes along the way.
I'm going try to catch up on a little rest now and I don't think I'll want to write at the 3 am feeding time (I hope to go right back to sleep tonight) so we'll send puppy breath to all and say Nighty, nighty, nighty
I do have to pay attention which way I turn it as it makes the pathway different. I prefer to block it from the yard side so they don't try to walk the edge of the deck between the ex pen and the rocks. It gradually slopes down and I don't want them doing stairs until they are older (4 months old according to the study I heard.)
Bizzy and Vespa have discovered the joy that is peeing out in the grass. Multiple times, they ran out there and peed. This evening, when Bela went out into the gras and opened the bar (and hung out with them a fair amount as well) we even got some poops out there. YAY puppies!
AuntieDoodlebug also keeps a close eye on them outside and keeps them company a lot of the tme. She likes puppies and always has. Cooper isn't entirely certain what he thinks of them but he politely avoids/retreats if they are bothering him. Jack just tells us to 'make them stop touching me' like he does with pretty much everey dog except CalySue.
We'll have to think up more exciting adventures for tomorrow. And then, I'll have to remember to make notes about them throughout the day. Today, I was busy being overly vigilant (it's better than under vigilant) about making certain that all of the dogs were happy together (the old dogs wanted to be near the people who were often near the puppies which was varying degrees of ok with them) to stop and take notes along the way.
I'm going try to catch up on a little rest now and I don't think I'll want to write at the 3 am feeding time (I hope to go right back to sleep tonight) so we'll send puppy breath to all and say Nighty, nighty, nighty
Sunday, April 5, 2015
April 5, 2015 Pupdate Happy Easter!
April 5, 2015 Pupdate Happy Easter!
It's been another adventuresome day here. It seems like there are lots of new things every day when they hit this age. And somehow, they find time and ways to become cuter and cuter, too.
They (and their stuff) were exceeding the available space in the pen plus they were just about to go over the ferret ex pen. So when it was warm and sunny today, I took them out on the deck for most of the day. Well on the deck and in and out of the lundry room wth me. After the floor dried, I pulled the plastic out (I thought ahead when we put it down so it pulled out to full length pretty easily) and then put down 2 more pieces of flooring. Then I remodeled the pen, added a crate with the 2 end doors off and a ex pen (as opposed to the 5 sections of tall I have on the part against the wall.) And a bunch of toys, play equipment etc.
For both of their picnics today, I put the food in the middle of that thing I don't have a name for but they didn't hesitate at all. They've been interacting with it anyway so that's really an issue. I have new adventures planned for tomorrow, too. I hope the weather is a little cooperative. If not, they'll experience more storms which is always good for puppies.
Tonight, they met their MiMi and DiDi and uncle Cooper. MiMI and DiDi are humans, Cooper is a blue merle mini Aussie (that's not the new name for them breed but it's the one I recall.) He wasn't too interested in them so he gave the right signals to appease their Mama. We let him meet Bela and the puppies before we brought the other dogs back into the room. Jilly wanted to remind him in her ugly voice to behave but I think he'll be back in the pack in the morning. I wonder if he remembers when he was a tiny puppy and would only eat out of a bowl with one of them. He came from a breeder near me so they picked him up and we wrked on socialization, crate training, all of the things we do with our puppies just a little later on some things and I think he must've only eaten with his littermates out of a common dish because he'd play musical bowls and eat with Jack, Jill an SammieDoodlebug and they all just moved away to let him eat (that's why he switched to the next bowl, he wanted one that was in use) Cooper seemed pretty happy to see me again (He has seen me since the puppy experience) and insisted on trying to stick his tongue up my nose. Fortunately, his tongue is larger than when he was 8-10 weeks old so it doesn't fit but it's still nicer if he doesn't try that ;-)
I can't remember if I turned off the vtech toy, I certainly hope so or I'll be in for a rude awakiening tonight. I already have to get up at an odd time because Bela fed them at different intervals today so when 2 of them had the hiccups around 10, I fed them (then she topped them off.) I just don't want them to start thinking the day starts before daylight.
I can't hold my eyes open so I'm going to send puppy breath to you all, sing the 3 songs and say: Nighty, NIghty, Nighty
It's been another adventuresome day here. It seems like there are lots of new things every day when they hit this age. And somehow, they find time and ways to become cuter and cuter, too.
They (and their stuff) were exceeding the available space in the pen plus they were just about to go over the ferret ex pen. So when it was warm and sunny today, I took them out on the deck for most of the day. Well on the deck and in and out of the lundry room wth me. After the floor dried, I pulled the plastic out (I thought ahead when we put it down so it pulled out to full length pretty easily) and then put down 2 more pieces of flooring. Then I remodeled the pen, added a crate with the 2 end doors off and a ex pen (as opposed to the 5 sections of tall I have on the part against the wall.) And a bunch of toys, play equipment etc.
For both of their picnics today, I put the food in the middle of that thing I don't have a name for but they didn't hesitate at all. They've been interacting with it anyway so that's really an issue. I have new adventures planned for tomorrow, too. I hope the weather is a little cooperative. If not, they'll experience more storms which is always good for puppies.
Tonight, they met their MiMi and DiDi and uncle Cooper. MiMI and DiDi are humans, Cooper is a blue merle mini Aussie (that's not the new name for them breed but it's the one I recall.) He wasn't too interested in them so he gave the right signals to appease their Mama. We let him meet Bela and the puppies before we brought the other dogs back into the room. Jilly wanted to remind him in her ugly voice to behave but I think he'll be back in the pack in the morning. I wonder if he remembers when he was a tiny puppy and would only eat out of a bowl with one of them. He came from a breeder near me so they picked him up and we wrked on socialization, crate training, all of the things we do with our puppies just a little later on some things and I think he must've only eaten with his littermates out of a common dish because he'd play musical bowls and eat with Jack, Jill an SammieDoodlebug and they all just moved away to let him eat (that's why he switched to the next bowl, he wanted one that was in use) Cooper seemed pretty happy to see me again (He has seen me since the puppy experience) and insisted on trying to stick his tongue up my nose. Fortunately, his tongue is larger than when he was 8-10 weeks old so it doesn't fit but it's still nicer if he doesn't try that ;-)
I can't remember if I turned off the vtech toy, I certainly hope so or I'll be in for a rude awakiening tonight. I already have to get up at an odd time because Bela fed them at different intervals today so when 2 of them had the hiccups around 10, I fed them (then she topped them off.) I just don't want them to start thinking the day starts before daylight.
I can't hold my eyes open so I'm going to send puppy breath to you all, sing the 3 songs and say: Nighty, NIghty, Nighty
Saturday, April 4, 2015
April 4, 2015 Pupdate
My goodness these puppies are adorable! And now they are 50 percent cuter because they have less hair. That's right, they have been lionized (after their group photo shoot)
When Cindi and Colleen got here this morning, we took them out on the deck for some playtime followed by a picnic. We set up ther photo shoot and I hope the pictures captured how absolutley adorable theses little monsters were.
We took advantage of sleepy puppies to expose them to the clippers. Between that and the little bits of cream cheese they licked from my fingers, it went very well. We don't go for perfect grooms on puppies, it's just get the hair off with happy puppies. We are going to have to go back and snip a ittle bit off of each puppies jacket because I didn't have my baggies ready and the hair was all co mingled before I realized we weren't distinguishing between puppies. A tragedy, I know ;-)
After their trims, we attempted to clean up the hair with a broom first. Several of the puppies thought hte broom looked like a lot of fun and tried to help. Then we used the shop vac which didn't disturb the puppies but I thought it was very loud. Some of the puppies thought they should offer their assistance witn that as well. Some of them just went to sleep as it was naptime and they'd benn working hard being puppies.
We got too hungry to wait for them to wake up and let them follow up into the house and to the pen. We carried them 2 at a time in and I set them in the potty area just in case they needed to go. They just sat where I put them and slowly sank into downs.
After the big dogs had their chicken, I bathed Armada and we blew his coat dry. The puppies don't pay any attention to the dryer 15 feet away, we'll have to introduce them to it one of these days as well. Pupsters have busy busy schedules, there's a lot to do in the time before they leave. I can't believe they'll be 5 weeks old Monday. I need to win the lottery so when people get one of our puppies, I can put them in a house nearby ;-)
Dog Cindi forgot to take the card from the camera so it may take a while to get the new pictures up, you'll just have to take my word for them being cute as buttons!
I'm going to take a little nap before they need theri nighttime feeding. They are really enjoyng this eating thing. Auntie Doodlebug is enjoying cleaning their faces afterward and they kiss her back. Bela likes to top them off but seems pleased to let me feed them, too. We all need to rest up for another big day of adventure tomorrow. Nighty, Nighty, Nighty and puppy breath to all!
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
When Cindi and Colleen got here this morning, we took them out on the deck for some playtime followed by a picnic. We set up ther photo shoot and I hope the pictures captured how absolutley adorable theses little monsters were.
We took advantage of sleepy puppies to expose them to the clippers. Between that and the little bits of cream cheese they licked from my fingers, it went very well. We don't go for perfect grooms on puppies, it's just get the hair off with happy puppies. We are going to have to go back and snip a ittle bit off of each puppies jacket because I didn't have my baggies ready and the hair was all co mingled before I realized we weren't distinguishing between puppies. A tragedy, I know ;-)
After their trims, we attempted to clean up the hair with a broom first. Several of the puppies thought hte broom looked like a lot of fun and tried to help. Then we used the shop vac which didn't disturb the puppies but I thought it was very loud. Some of the puppies thought they should offer their assistance witn that as well. Some of them just went to sleep as it was naptime and they'd benn working hard being puppies.
We got too hungry to wait for them to wake up and let them follow up into the house and to the pen. We carried them 2 at a time in and I set them in the potty area just in case they needed to go. They just sat where I put them and slowly sank into downs.
After the big dogs had their chicken, I bathed Armada and we blew his coat dry. The puppies don't pay any attention to the dryer 15 feet away, we'll have to introduce them to it one of these days as well. Pupsters have busy busy schedules, there's a lot to do in the time before they leave. I can't believe they'll be 5 weeks old Monday. I need to win the lottery so when people get one of our puppies, I can put them in a house nearby ;-)
Dog Cindi forgot to take the card from the camera so it may take a while to get the new pictures up, you'll just have to take my word for them being cute as buttons!
I'm going to take a little nap before they need theri nighttime feeding. They are really enjoyng this eating thing. Auntie Doodlebug is enjoying cleaning their faces afterward and they kiss her back. Bela likes to top them off but seems pleased to let me feed them, too. We all need to rest up for another big day of adventure tomorrow. Nighty, Nighty, Nighty and puppy breath to all!
Cristi Fogus Wetherholt (Blindchick)
Allyn Portuguese Water Dogs - Structure,Temperament, Drive...ALL IN!
Sent from my iPad
Friday, April 3, 2015
April 3, 2015 Happy Birthday Human Nana and Aunt Marolyn
The puppies, the dogs and the humans here say HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANA! and HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNT MAROLYN!
It was another day full of adventure for the pupsters. We had a nice big thunderstorm in the middle of the night. They were unfazed. We had another this evening and they slept right through that one, too Good for them.
Dog Cindi and Leanne came ths morning and pretty much spent the whole day. We played with puppies and let them interact with some new toys including the tunnel, then had a feeding frenzy - the old bitches threw up for them last night and we have teeth so that made it time.
After that, we put them in a crate in the van and drove them up the hill to the pond when we took the big dogs up to play. The puppies were quiet in the crate and took a little nap. Bela enjoyed her outing a lot!
I bathed the old dogs first (and made sure I got Bela very clean since she had been in the pond, including vinegaring the milk bar) and then we had a weight watcher's meeting. The main reason fo rthat was to get the worming dosage correct but it was nice to know. Vespu has surpassed Mayor Bumble, at least for now.
Then the baby dogs got baths. They were all very good for the bath and seemed to like it. I had to try to keep them from lapping the soapy water (I put diluted baby shampoo in a pan of warm water and bathed them with a washcloth.) For the rinsing, I start with flling a small drinking bucket and leave the water running after I start to pour it over them. All of these puppies were interested in the water from the faucet, including having it run over their heads.
We each held wet puppies wrapped in towels, an extremely rough job but someone had to do it so we took one
After their evening meal, we were watching them (bug surprise I know) and one by one thety made a concerted effort to go potty in the potty area. For poopng, they have a definite potty dance. They make the rounds of the whole area and would go out but then turn around and go back in again. I could easily take them outside in that time (if it weren't pouring the rain and we had been out in the grass part of the yard. So far, we've only been on the deck so we'll work up to outside pottiying.
It seems like a bigger day than what I've typed. The puppies are sacked out, the big girl are resting and I'm tired. Jack had a little siesta and thinks it is time to play again. I disagree with hi aessment so I'm going to rest while I listen to the rain ad sleeping puppies.
Nighty, nighty, nighty and puppy breath to all
It was another day full of adventure for the pupsters. We had a nice big thunderstorm in the middle of the night. They were unfazed. We had another this evening and they slept right through that one, too Good for them.
Dog Cindi and Leanne came ths morning and pretty much spent the whole day. We played with puppies and let them interact with some new toys including the tunnel, then had a feeding frenzy - the old bitches threw up for them last night and we have teeth so that made it time.
After that, we put them in a crate in the van and drove them up the hill to the pond when we took the big dogs up to play. The puppies were quiet in the crate and took a little nap. Bela enjoyed her outing a lot!
I bathed the old dogs first (and made sure I got Bela very clean since she had been in the pond, including vinegaring the milk bar) and then we had a weight watcher's meeting. The main reason fo rthat was to get the worming dosage correct but it was nice to know. Vespu has surpassed Mayor Bumble, at least for now.
Then the baby dogs got baths. They were all very good for the bath and seemed to like it. I had to try to keep them from lapping the soapy water (I put diluted baby shampoo in a pan of warm water and bathed them with a washcloth.) For the rinsing, I start with flling a small drinking bucket and leave the water running after I start to pour it over them. All of these puppies were interested in the water from the faucet, including having it run over their heads.
We each held wet puppies wrapped in towels, an extremely rough job but someone had to do it so we took one
After their evening meal, we were watching them (bug surprise I know) and one by one thety made a concerted effort to go potty in the potty area. For poopng, they have a definite potty dance. They make the rounds of the whole area and would go out but then turn around and go back in again. I could easily take them outside in that time (if it weren't pouring the rain and we had been out in the grass part of the yard. So far, we've only been on the deck so we'll work up to outside pottiying.
It seems like a bigger day than what I've typed. The puppies are sacked out, the big girl are resting and I'm tired. Jack had a little siesta and thinks it is time to play again. I disagree with hi aessment so I'm going to rest while I listen to the rain ad sleeping puppies.
Nighty, nighty, nighty and puppy breath to all
April 2, 2015 Pupdate
What a big day we've had today! They started off with a little visit from the milk bar and then had a nap in a big pile.
When they woke up again, we hurried outside before the rain started. They had their first picnic, formula in the satellite dish bowl. I'm not certain how they got it all over themsleves but they smelled loke goat milk for quite a while afterward.
I took them outside while they were napping but they immediately woke up when I put them in the castle sandbox so we had the picnic then. I had taken the activity mobile thing (I don't know what the real name for that PVC cube with dangly toys it, we may have to make one up) outside earlier and they interacted with that, the milk crate, and the other stuff out there.
As they went to sleep, I put the ones who were not already in there in the play house but Mayor Bumble was just NOT ready to take a happy nappy. I had to get him to go to sleep before I could change out their pen paper and linens.
While they were out on the deck, the MSU mowed the dog yard. I sat in the play house with the puppies just in case but nobody was worried. They were happy to cuddle but it was just a hey, here's a human to use as a pillow business as usual.
Another child came to visit in early afternoon, while they were still out enjoying the day. She seemed to like them and they definitely enjoyed her. She did a good job touching feet and ears and gently cuddling them. We came inside when it seemed as if it were about to rain and while most of the puppies were awake. They followed us mostly inside (Buzz wasn't sure he wanted to stay inside but we managed to get him in the pen with the others. She played in the pen with them until none of them could stay awake and then she threw ropes and monkey paws for Jack and eventually Bela (who decided that she wanted to take Jack's for a while and then she wanted to do a few retrieves of her own.)
I cuddled puppies and listened to them sleep and then gave them some more formula this evening. They seem to be getting the hang of getting their faces in the dish as soon a s possible but that does not preclude other body parts from going in as well.
Right on schedule, lower canines started popping throught this afternoon and tonight, the old bitches threw up for them - and maybe a little on them since Jill didn't go in the pen just held her head over the edge. (Rather like I threw up on the alligators in FL as a child - I didn't throw up on the alligators intentionally, I just hurled over a fence and they happened to be in there.)
So tomorrow, we will have a feeding frenzy with formula and MEAT! Num, num, num! The Villagers are supposed to play so we can hopefully get some pictures and/or video. The puppies are winding down (mostly) so it seems like a good time to since the 3 songs and say nighty, ngihty nighty. Puppy breath to all!
When they woke up again, we hurried outside before the rain started. They had their first picnic, formula in the satellite dish bowl. I'm not certain how they got it all over themsleves but they smelled loke goat milk for quite a while afterward.
I took them outside while they were napping but they immediately woke up when I put them in the castle sandbox so we had the picnic then. I had taken the activity mobile thing (I don't know what the real name for that PVC cube with dangly toys it, we may have to make one up) outside earlier and they interacted with that, the milk crate, and the other stuff out there.
As they went to sleep, I put the ones who were not already in there in the play house but Mayor Bumble was just NOT ready to take a happy nappy. I had to get him to go to sleep before I could change out their pen paper and linens.
While they were out on the deck, the MSU mowed the dog yard. I sat in the play house with the puppies just in case but nobody was worried. They were happy to cuddle but it was just a hey, here's a human to use as a pillow business as usual.
Another child came to visit in early afternoon, while they were still out enjoying the day. She seemed to like them and they definitely enjoyed her. She did a good job touching feet and ears and gently cuddling them. We came inside when it seemed as if it were about to rain and while most of the puppies were awake. They followed us mostly inside (Buzz wasn't sure he wanted to stay inside but we managed to get him in the pen with the others. She played in the pen with them until none of them could stay awake and then she threw ropes and monkey paws for Jack and eventually Bela (who decided that she wanted to take Jack's for a while and then she wanted to do a few retrieves of her own.)
I cuddled puppies and listened to them sleep and then gave them some more formula this evening. They seem to be getting the hang of getting their faces in the dish as soon a s possible but that does not preclude other body parts from going in as well.
Right on schedule, lower canines started popping throught this afternoon and tonight, the old bitches threw up for them - and maybe a little on them since Jill didn't go in the pen just held her head over the edge. (Rather like I threw up on the alligators in FL as a child - I didn't throw up on the alligators intentionally, I just hurled over a fence and they happened to be in there.)
So tomorrow, we will have a feeding frenzy with formula and MEAT! Num, num, num! The Villagers are supposed to play so we can hopefully get some pictures and/or video. The puppies are winding down (mostly) so it seems like a good time to since the 3 songs and say nighty, ngihty nighty. Puppy breath to all!
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