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| Enjoying the great outdoors! |
“The Mission”
With the agility
and precision of a Navy SEAL, she dragged herself up the grassy embankment,
using only her front limbs to propel herself forward, staying low to the ground
and fighting off fatigue, she was within range of the target. Her mission was
clear and timing was crucial. At the last moment, Miss Apricot lunged forward,
flinging herself on top of Mr. Mint and so the two tumbled playfully on the
lawn. Now that the puppies are old enough and the weather has been cooperating,
the group has been enjoying their time in the sun. It didn’t start out that way
though. On the first day when a few of the puppies were deposited on the lawn,
some just stood and whimpered, taking in the magnificence of the world outside as
it stood menacingly before them. Very quickly, that feeling passed and as their
confidence grew, the puppies did what puppies do: be curious. Some ambled
around, rolled in the grass, studied trees, chewed twigs or climbed rocks, while
others galloped at top speed for a few steps until they fell over. Before long,
they collapsed onto the turf and drifted off to sleep one by one until we carried
them back to their whelping box which they know as home.
This is a happy,
playful bunch. Mr. Apple continues to lounge on his back, Mr. Potato loves to
roll around anywhere he can and Mr. Mint enjoys his kisses. We witnessed an
interesting interaction in which Mr. Grape was lying on his back with his legs
splayed out in all directions. He was encountered by Mr. Plum who surely
thought as he chomped down on a furry appendage, “if you’re going to stick that
thing up in the air, I’m going to bite it”. They must get some of that playfulness
from Bailey. She’s been an incredible mom and now that her responsibility as
main caregiver has wound down, her role has transitioned into a sentinel and
playmate. She will roll onto her back enticing the little ones to come to
nurse. Once they’re about to make contact, she bounces up and gets them to
chase her around the yard. The rest of the time, Bailey will find a quiet spot
off in the shade where she looks out over her little flock.
It seems that this group
is not big on comfort. We find repeatedly that one or the other has fallen
asleep in the water bowl, on the water bowl or stretched right across one or
two water bowls. They love their siestas to the point where many slept through
some puppy visits. Sunday was family visit day and the gang enjoyed making new
friends and being cuddled, save for the persistence of their mom butting in and
trying to get a large share of love herself. All in all, this is one of the one
of the quietest litters on record….. unless of course, they’re saving the best
for last.
That’s it for now, but be sure to join us next week for
another electrifying installment of “Puppy Tales”.
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