Teddy and Surrey Litter

Teddy and Surrey Litter – Week Four

Our new interactive play centre.

“Port-a-Gym”

Today we added an extension to the whelping box which has doubled its size. Now that the puppies are growing, they need a bit more space to allow them to pick up speed to scramble from end to end. In addition, the puppies now have gym memberships and an elaborate play station at their disposal as well as numerous plush toys. The little ones are 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. Since their hunting and chasing instincts are emerging, they practice with their siblings or their plush toys. When the play station was first introduced, Surrey wasted no time to investigate it as did her mini-pack. They scrambled to try out the various activities while Surrey curled up inside the box to watch. When the puppies drifted off to sleep, Surrey went to take a closer look at the activity centre and when she got up to leave, the thing got stuck on her back and she ended up taking it with her.

To help the puppies continue to bulk up, they were introduced to gruel or mush this week: a healthy concoction of oatmeal, honey, goat’s milk and vitamins to supplement the feedings they get from their mom. With their inaugural bowl, no one needed a second invitation. Mr. Turkey was the first one in, both literally and figuratively and the concept of etiquette went out the window. Everyone looked like they’d been in a food fight except Miss Cranberry who managed to remain lady-like and keep herself very neat and clean. This new feeding arrangement gives Surrey a lot more leisure time as well as the ability to indulge in her new hobby of standing by the door and barking at any wild turkeys she spots meandering around outside the fenced area. Despite being semi-retired, she still keeps the milk bar open 24/7 for top-ups but we’re certain that Surrey relishes the break she gets from each puppy’s twenty-eight razor sharp teeth!

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

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