Storm and Sierra Litter – Week Six

We are a happy bunch!

“The Code”

The code being transmitted was persistent. One-two-three-pause-one-two-three-pause and so on. It’s not subtle by any stretch of the imagination but this is the means by which Sierra communicates her wishes and/or summons us. Our most recent inspection revealed that her roomie, Bailey was lying in the whelping box with Sierra’s puppies. On this occasion, the queen was not amused. Fortunately, Bailey and Sierra are good friends to the extent that Bailey even seems to have adopted Sierra’s pups and has apparently assumed the role of Godmother.

As fickle as it’s been, the weather cooperated sufficiently to allow the puppies outdoor playtime. The charge was usually led by Bailey who either demonstrated some gymnastics moves to the gang or played chase with them. A popular activity is the game of tag in which each puppy exhibits a burst of energy in succession. Now that most of the snow has melted, it meant that the rock climbing initiative had been reinstated. Of course the absence of snow also revealed an abundance of fresh twigs that required reworking. And for her contribution to the festivities, Sierra provided refreshments from the milk bar.

The gang is growing steadily and is now getting three meals a day which are supplemented by Sierra’s still frequent offerings of dessert. 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. And they seem to be ready for dinner a lot! We are spending time alone with each puppy, playing gently and teaching them to relate one-on-one in a safe, trusting situation. The best part is that we get to repeat the exercise each and every day.

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