Storm and Chanel Litter – Week Four

Happy 4th week Birthday to us!

“Five Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest”

Chanel and her brood have been relocated into the living room which is a pretty regal deal for mom. She’s got both a sofa and a love seat to stretch out on, not to mention some carpeting and some sections of cool wood flooring for lounging. There’s also a walkout to the backyard for those peaceful Zen moments or for chasing chipmunks. Unlike many other moms in this situation, Chanel didn’t bat an eye. She knew this was a good deal, but perhaps her puppies did not. It usually happens at least once in every litter that a puppy manages to escape over the wall. In fact, Mr. Smoke had his fifteen minutes of fame at two weeks of age. Not long after they were relocated, five of the little ones slipped out into the living room to get a better look at the carpeting. So, without the benefit of a GPS to guide them, they soon realized they have no clue as to where they were (and of course that there’s no food in sight). They then needed to be rescued and must surely have come to the understanding that the whelping box where their siblings were waiting was a far better bet.

This week, we added an extension to the whelping box which has doubled its size. Now that the puppies are getting even bigger, they need a bit more space to allow them to pick up speed to scramble from end to end. 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. 

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. Flame was the first one in, both literally and figuratively and the concept of etiquette went out the window. By the time it was done, everyone looked like they’d been in a food fight. With this meal plan, dessert is included. That’s what all the puppies wear on their faces, but no worries…..their siblings ensure that they get completely cleaned up.  In one corner, Mr. Heat looked as though he was trying to swallow Mr. Soot’s head! Despite being a little worse for wear with her bout of mastitis, Chanel keeps the milk bar open 24/7 for top-ups but we’re certain she 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”.