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| "Mush" is a hit with all the Puppies including Bella! |
It’s now approaching four weeks since these little darlings were born. They are growing by the hour it seems, and are very gentle, easy going with loving dispositions. Each and every puppy is just so beautiful but with parents like Bella and Hudson, how can they not be blessed with good looks?
The highlight of this week was mealtime “mush”: a healthy concoction of oatmeal, goat’s milk and vitamins. What a hit! Without the need of an invitation, Mr. Black was the very first to dig in. The others followed his lead - some a little apprehensively, perhaps since this substance wasn’t delivered by the usual milk truck. Since that first day, Bella must have taught them some manners as they are no longer inclined to climb into the bowl. They are now a very cultured group, taking their spot at the “table”, eating politely and recruiting their siblings to help them get cleaned up after the feast. The added bonus for Bella is that she gets to finish the leftovers!
The introduction of mush is no doubt welcomed by Bella as the puppies’ sharp little teeth are coming in. This isn’t very comfortable for her when all nine babies are at the milk bar, however Bella will endure and keep it open for a while longer.
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| Clean up! |
Since we added another section onto the whelping box, the puppies now have a lounge - sort of a dine and dorm area as well as a separate area for “relief”. The floor of this area is lined with unprinted newspaper. Early in the week when the puppies attempted to walk on this somewhat slick surface, they were unable to get sufficient traction so they resembled toddlers with ice skates out for the first time. Now they not only walk across it, they can run! With both areas in play, the puppies are learning to keep their lounge clean and to piddle on the paper. We’re well on our way with potty training.
The puppies are becoming stronger and heartier, spending more time awake and playing with one another. One of their favourite games is “pretend jousting” where they stand apart from their opponent, take a couple of steps forward and gently bounce off their sibling. They have also welcomed a couple of plush toys into their pack - that is when Bella doesn’t snatch them away to cuddle them herself!
This weekend, we will venture outside and begin to explore the world that awaits them. There will be many adventures to come in the weeks ahead …..
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