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| We are a cute bunch! |
“The Drive-Through”
A big step for the puppies this
week is their transition to more solid food, which coincides with Heidi’s dream
of an early retirement. It seems that mom has limited her contribution to
something akin to a drive-through milk wagon. The puppies are drinking more
water now as well to keep themselves hydrated. This transition is a welcome
change for us too, since this group is one of the messiest eaters on record
requiring countless baths and wipe-downs. Boasting plump bellies, the puppies
are weighing seven pounds on average. That in itself is starting to become a
bit of a workout when we pick them up. And that happens to be frequently since
they love to be held and cuddled, with many falling asleep in our arms.
The gang is becoming
increasingly more curious about their surroundings and about the large humans
in their midst. There’s no more sneaking up on them as they react to every
sight and sound. This is the beginning of the most influential
socialization period for the puppies. They wag their tails to us and to each
other. They are even displaying affection toward the little toys we’ve given
them. The puppies are entertaining some of their future forever family visitors
and they’re making friends with some of the rest of the pack. Our Sierra,
Bailey and little Surrey have taken a keen interest in the little ones and
waste no opportunity to try to squeeze into the puppy area for some playtime.
Since the weather is still a little cold for outdoor activity, the
group now has access to the foyer, a.k.a. the gymnasium: a 350 square foot space where they can enjoy their favourite
leisure activities. Mostly these include various forms of gymnastics such as
running, sliding, catapulting, tumbling and bouncing – usually off one another.
Others just like to run around in circles until they topple over, while in the
group sports department, there is usually a game of tag team wrestling or
football without the ball underway. Once the weather warms up, we are looking
forward to engaging the puppies is some forms of winter sports outside and
we’re certain to be entertained in the process.
That’s it for now, but be sure to join us next week
for another enthralling installment of “Puppy Tales”.
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