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...

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

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!

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

March 31, 2015 Pupdate It appears this didn't post

It appears this didn't post yesterday so I am trying again. No idea how to get it in the right order.
Good morning, good monring the little pups say. They sweetly greet anyone who turns up and it's extremely adorable. They have started popping their little heads up on the top of the ferret ex pen to say hello. Cute as that is, I try really hard not to reward it. We are working on sitting for petting and picking up. They are catching on pretty quickly with just a little scratch under their chin if they aren't already sitting. It's harder to reward quickly enough when they are all over there though.
While Dog Cindi and Debbie were here this evening, I had them wrangle puppies while I changed out their linens and added the big potty pan. I added paper and they began playing with it quite quickly like the PWDs they are. They didn't all immediately catch on to pottying in it but some did. And so far, that's been the only place they've pooped.
It's pretty warm so they are choosing to sleep off of the fleece most of the time. I rearranged it a little bit to make it easier for them.
They nurse pretty quickly these days, I suspect it won't be long before they are ready for me to start feeding them but I do plan to wait for teeth or the old bitches to hurl for them.
It was warm today but pretty windy, too. I wasn't comfortable taking them outside in that. Don't want anything scary happening to them.
I missed my nap again today so I'm going to try to do some pre-sleeping. Puppies have been doing lots of pre-sleeping again today ;-)

April 1, 2015 Pupdate

The baby dogs are 2 months old now since they were born in March and this is April right? That's the best I can do for April Fool's Day
The real report: They were good little puppies again today. They are happy to see me whenever they do. They watched me clean some today (the casters on the couches make it SO much easier to do the floor) and slept some while I celaned as well.
And then, when I was ready to clean their pen, I took them out onto the deck. The Mama, Aunt, and Mama's Mama all went out to look after them. The girls took turns going out into the yard or coming back in to check on me but at least one of them was always out with the puppies.
I was in and out with them whch obviously made it take longer but I didn't want anything bad to happen on their first trip outside. When I was done, I went out with them and sat down and let them find me for a cuddle. They all took me up on that offer. Then we came back into the house. Fortunately, none of them had a potty accident on the way back in since I let them follow me (and the big dogs). Vespa and Mayor Bumble were the last two to come inside with me. They were busy with stuff the encountered along the way (a leaf and a toy). Most of them made it all of the way to the pen. Such good puppies!
I mixed up some formula for them today. I wanted it to be ready to mix with meat when they are ready to start eating (teeth or the old bitches hurling for them, whichever comes first.
They met 2 more children today and another new human. The boys were very good with them if reluctant to make loud noises but the younger one did make a valiant attempt to play the pvc dangly pieces on the jungle gym thing. And we have more new visitors coming tomorrow. It's a good thing the puppies don't have much in the way of teeth yet because they are definitely interested in gnawing on whoever is in range. The puppies were also VERY interested in climbing up into their laps.
We need to rest up for tomorrow. So we'll send some virtual puppy breath to all and say Nighty, nighty, nighty a little earlier tonight.