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Mango and Storm’s Litter – Week Four

Doggy den for sale or rent.

“The Cavern”

They suspected nothing. She had spent several days earning their trust so she could finally move around the compound without scrutiny. She had to work quickly, but there were no tools at her disposal other than her own limbs and sheer determination. Bit by bit, the ground gave way. She worked tirelessly for what seemed like an eternity. Smiling, she stood back and assessed the fruits of her labour. Just a little bit more she thought. Just another day or two and it would be complete. Unfortunately for Mango, the cavern she created to house her babies was eventually discovered and her plan to move them was thwarted.

Meanwhile in the living room, the extension was added to the whelping box and the puppies now have an elaborate playstation at their disposal (no batteries required). They are developing their strength, co-ordination and cognitive skills as well as learning to engage in activities with their littermates. They scramble around at top speed and pounce on each other or play “pretend jousting” where they stand  apart from their opponent, take a couple of steps forward and gently bounce off their sibling. They test each other’s limits and are learning the difference between hard and soft biting.

The gang is also honing their vocal skills. One evening there was such a racket coming from the whelping box that it sounded like there was an all out brawl taking place. We raced to investigate and discovered all five of the puppies standing around in a circle, barking at each other for no apparent reason which left us wondering what that conversation was all about!

 
Clean up is just as enjoyable as mealtime.

This week saw the introduction of the puppies to gruel or mush: a healthy concoction of oatmeal, honey, goat’s milk and vitamins to supplement the feedings they get from their mom. It’s always interesting to see how things take shape during the inaugural feeding. Mr. Twister was the first one in line for a taste test. One by one, his brothers followed suit as they bellied up to the buffet. Curiously, Mr. Sandstorm was very intent on getting the bulk of his nourishment off the face of Mr. Purple Rain. All of a sudden, Mr. Lightning Bolt decided he would enter the bowl and since he was unable to keep his footing, he laid down in it. Fortunately, everyone chipped in to help clean him up. While this canine buffet has been a big hit, the milk bar is of course still open 24/7 and remains a popular venue. Not that she minds, this is a bit of a reprieve for Mango from each of her puppies’ twenty-eight razor sharp teeth that are coming in. Whoever said that motherhood was easy?

That’s it for now, but be sure to join us next week for another riveting installment of “Puppy Tales”.
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