Coming of Age

The puppies were born 18 days ago (don't worry, nobody's letting them vote), and a big part of their "puppyhood" development is over.

The Super Puppy neurological stimulation exercises were completed on Day 16, and we managed to get some pictures. These gentle stimulations have decades of science behind them, and very breeder I've spoken with that uses them swears they work. So we did them.

Before starting, I would weigh each puppy:
This week, weighing puppies has been both entertaining and challenging, as Yaso here demonstrates. Now having good control over their legs, climbing OVER has become a popular passtime - over each other, over Mama, over the edges of things. Combined with their eyes being open (though it's debatable that they see more than light, shadow, and big motion) they are avid explorers. It's both fun and a little alarming when they go OUT the holding box when I'm changing the bedding!

Once a weight for the day had been recorded, the foot stimulation was done:
Oro was pretty cooperative on Tuesday. Sometimes they protested mightily, others they squirmed, others they were nonchalant. Every day we did a different foot, so each set of toes was tickled four times.

Next each puppy is held upright:
You can see that Dos's eyes are open, her pigmentation is wonderful, her nails need trimming (done!), and the plump belly. Can you say - perfect!

Next they were held - very securely - upside down. Not very photogenic, so on to the next bit, which is cradling on back:
This usually involved some form of protest, as Yaso ably demonstrates. The first week they were easy to hold, but as they grew by leaps and bounds my small hands had a harder time supporting the entire body. Glad we're done!

Saving the worst for last, was the chilled damp rag torture:
Rojo didn't make it off the platter in four seconds, but like all his siblings - he tried!

When we finished with each puppy, we handed him or her to Rumor for a thorough cleaning (nasty people smell! must get rid of that!) and a nosh. Then they all stretched out for a nap, which I have to say sounds like a great idea:

Oro, Yaso, Dos, Rojo

And yes, that glimpse of newspaper means they are eliminating independently, though Rumor is still clean as a cat and keeps the whelping box spotless.

Our next adventure: puppy gruel. Hooo boy, that should be messy!