Mango and Storm’s Litter – Week Six

Do you want to share my stick?

“The Conspiracy”

It happened in the wee hours of the morning. The moon was but a sliver and light was scarce, but their adrenaline was in abundance. All the time spent planning would be put to the test. As the moment drew near, their fears remained unspoken. One by one they slipped over the wall which had been inadvertently compromised by their custodian’s last visit. Off in the distance, they spotted their objective: their mother Mango fast asleep. They quietly tiptoed over to her in the hopes of a “midnight snack”, but alas Mango was not in the mood to oblige at this hour which left the trio wailing. They might not have achieved what they set out to accomplish with their short-lived freedom, but calm was quickly restored once they were reunited with their brothers in the whelping box.

This week was all about treasures and discovery. Since the weather was occasionally a bit unsettled during the week, Mother Nature contributed numerous twigs and bits of bark to the yard. These quickly became the puppies’ favourite toys. Activities included tug of war with one on one, one on two or simply having a nice leisurely chew. The outside water bowl was also a key attraction and it often did double duty as a footbath. For some reason, the puppies were curious as to what the underside of the bowl looked like so it needed frequent refilling. The little ones run around the yard on somewhat rubbery legs so a fast sprint often culminates in a toppling over. Their play is becoming a bit more coordinated and adult-like and their thirst for discovery is growing. Unlike many other groups before them, this gang absolutely owns the back yard as they fearlessly explore every corner of it. And when they’re tired out from all of the action, there is both a crate and a doghouse at their disposal on the patio for napping in.

The gang is now getting three meals a day which are supplemented by Mango’s still frequent offerings of dessert. They now weigh an average of 12 lbs. and their muzzles are lengthening and are beginning to look a bit more like the adults they will eventually become. Their emotions are becoming apparent too, so they whine to show fear, whimper if they’re hurt and bark when they are excited, want attention or are ready for dinner. We are spending time alone with each puppy, playing gently and teaching them to relate one-on-one in a safe, trusting situation.

Mango is such a gentle soul – the biggest lapdog of all. As we’re spread out on the lawn to play with the puppies, Mango likes to take centre stage and sit on our laps. When the boys aren’t trying to steal a drink from their mom’s milk bar, they circle us and jump up like snapping turtles in an attempt to bite or lick our noses. Of course they miss and tumble over most of the time, but it’s all good spirited fun. One by one, the little minions drift off to sleep, spent from the day’s activities. We then have to carry them back to their beds to allow them to rest up for the next round of adventures on “The Sunny Side of the Street”.
That’s it for now, but be sure to join us next time for the mesmerizing conclusion of “Puppy Tales”.