Mango and Storm’s Litter – Week Five

Enjoying the great outdoors!

“A Bull in a China Shop”

He was in a very deep sleep – likely a milk-induced coma. He lay there, gently twitching and feeling oh so comfortable. In his dream, he heard the thunder of hooves all around him. A split second later, Mr. Twister, now rudely awakened, was experiencing the dream. Like a bull in a china shop, Mr. Sandstorm repeatedly stepped on Mr. Twister’s head as he raced around the whelping box with Messrs. Lightning Bolt and Purple Rain in hot pursuit. Whether it was carelessness or they were sending a message, the group wasn’t content until everyone joined in on the fun. We’re not sure if was cabin fever that inspired his actions, but later in the week Mr. Snowstorm catapulted himself over the wall to explore the living room. Once he came to the realization that he was alone, he began to whimper until he was quickly airlifted back to the safety of the whelping box.

Since we finally caught a break with the weather, we did not waste the opportunity to introduce the puppies to the great outdoors. It’s interesting to note the differences between each litter and how they react to the inaugural outing. Some stand there and tremble, others creep along very cautiously - not this group. This mini-pack embraced the experience head on, like a bunch of old souls. Accompanied by their mom, the gang raced around the vast expanse of the yard showing no fear. Within all of three minutes, Mr. Snowstorm settled in to munch on a twig. The others tried their hand at rock climbing or racing around in fits and starts playing “bumper cars” with each other. (Essentially that’s puppy head butting.) Even mom got in on the action. Mango would stand motionless until all the puppies ran up to her in anticipation of a snack, then she’d bolt off suddenly with one or two of them still attached to her drinking apparatus or she’d roll around in the grass to get their attention and repeat the same exercise. The rest of the time, Mango would find a quiet spot off in the shade where she acted as a sentinel, watching out for her little flock. Mr. Lightning Bolt demonstrated his path finding skills by wandering to the far end of the yard. Mom was not pleased and raced to his side to escort him back to rejoin the rest of the group.

The puppies are now enjoying some of their meals al fresco. Off in the distance, the birds chirp while a gentle breeze blows through their fur as they huddle around the “buffet table”. Dining outside must really stimulate their appetites because they rarely leave any leftovers for their mom. Now that their food is being made a bit drier, the little ones are drinking water as well to help keep them hydrated. Most meals are capped off with some light exercise and a well-earned nap. And when they’re not eating or sleeping, they’re learning to communicate with each other and with us by wagging their tails. With the increased control over their facial muscles, the puppies are making expressions and are beginning to reveal their personalities and voice their opinions. Most of all, they express their love for us and each other, because after all, love makes the world go round.....

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