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| We are having lots of fun! |
“When Nature Calls…”
As we approach the end of the fourth week, Sierra has entirely abandoned any notion of finding alternative real estate for her puppies; quite the contrary. It would seem that Sierra has taken up residence in the whelping box with her family and has adorned it with her several of her own marrow bones and toys. As she moves in and out of the library, Sierra can be observed stealing a puppy toy or bringing some other treasure into the whelping box. She occasionally has misgivings about her decision when she is aroused from her slumber by each puppy’s twenty-eight razor sharp teeth. That’s when mom leaves to find an empty room to lounge in – after her little ones are topped up, of course.
There is relief in sight for Sierra as the little ones have been introduced to mush: a canine smoothie comprised of moistened puppy food, oatmeal, goat’s milk, supplements, probiotics and honey - all blended to perfection. Miss Blizzard was the first to partake of this new delicacy, followed by Miss Sunshine. The boys were initially apprehensive but eventually followed the girls’ lead. The group soon discovered that this meal is both entrée and dessert. The dessert was available for all by simply licking the sticky mess off the face of a sibling. Just prior to another meal, Mr. Frostbite had to be awakened to announce to him that dinner was served, but he clearly had other intentions. He got up, took several steps in the opposite direction and promptly squatted down to relieve himself before he joined the gang at the dinner table. Regardless of how it begins, each mealtime is always capped off with a nap while Sierra gets to enjoy the sweet reward of the left-overs.
This is the beginning of a key socialization period for the puppies. When they’re not sleeping or eating, they spend more time playing with one another. Now that they’re gaining strength and coordination, they scurry around at top speed. They pounce or head butt each other resembling furry little bumper cars. They test each other’s limits and learn the difference between hard and soft biting. They also take turns sleeping at the top and bottom of the sibling pile. Since their hunting and chasing instincts are kicking in, we ensure that they have plush toys to play and cuddle with, that is unless Sierra steals them to play with herself. It’s all good fun and after a period of frenzied activity, it culminates in a big snore-fest where the puppies use each other as pillows.
That’s it for now, but be sure to join us next week for another heart-warming installment of “Puppy Tales”.
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