Jazz and Bailey Litter – Week Five

Bailey's puppies always have lots of toys to play with!

“The Kleptomaniac”

It’s been another big week in Bailey’s world. Not only are her pups growing in leaps and bounds, but they’re enjoying their gym membership with the play station they have at their disposal. They’re developing their strength, co-ordination and cognitive skills as well as learning how to engage in an activity with a littermate, even if it’s just bumping heads. The puppies have saved the best part of their interactions for us. They react to each and every little sound and their little heads bob back and forth as we move about the room; their eyes taking in every trace of movement. Above all, they delight in being picked up and cuddled. Some enjoy belly rubs while stretched out on their backs while others content themselves by trying to bite our noses or lick our faces. Good thing they’re all just baby teeth!

Everyone participates in the activities of the household and even the puppies celebrated St. Patrick’s Day. They were certainly in their element when they welcomed several guests as well as a two-legged visitor into the whelping box. There was no shortage of nestling, nudging and nibbling as each puppy got a healthy dose of love. A good time was had by all which culminated in the requisite post-party naptime.

Since the little ones are getting more accustomed to eating solid food, their food is now prepared a bit dryer; they are drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated. Now that the food isn’t as messy, fewer clean ups are required. Of course Bailey still nurses the puppies to supplement their diet. But Bailey’s maternal instincts don’t stop there. On more than one occasion she was spotted in Sierra’s whelping box, nursing Sierra’s pups. But there’s always an ulterior motive.  It appears that Bailey moved in to help clean up their dinner plate and the nursing was only a by-product of that activity. If that wasn’t enough, Bailey has a new initiative in which she hoards not only Sierra’s puppies’ toys but those of her own babies. Several times a day we have to raid her stash and return the goods to their rightful owners. We now have Bailey paw-printed so we’ll know if she’s a repeat offender.

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