Tuesday, July 5, 2022

It’s been a while! Between lightning strikes, a power outage, a full slate of work, a family visit, and farm chores, we’ve been quite busy. I’ve been snapping pics and managed to get today’s photos up.

As you can see, the puppies have grown exponentially in size, and are now walking around on all fours - almost like full-grown dogs. Their eyes have been open for a few days now, and the haze over their eyes is starting to lift. They don’t mind a bit of sun on their fur, now. Some of them have even taken to pursuing their mommy outside of their puppy enclosure - for first dibs on milk supply. Two mornings in a row, I have found 2 or 3 extra fat puppies suckling on their mama under the deck. I’ve crawled under to retrieve them both times! Joy seemed grateful that I had gotten them back in their safe place, where she can nurse all puppies. We’ve reinforced the puppy door and hope they will stay in. Soon we’ll make a yard on the grass outside their enclosure, just for them.

The puppy fluff and puppy features are totally adorable. They have little ears which flop, and sweet little muzzles. They seem to be able to see me now, and follow my face with their eyes. They are beginning to engage. They’re up and about more and more.

They think I might be the other mommy, which is very cute. Today, I went to sit with them and they curled up next to me and fell asleep. I know who each of them are now. They are all unique.

Papa Teddy is allowed within a few feet of the puppies now, which is a big improvement. This morning, I found him seated next to Joy as the runaway pups suckled on her under the deck. Joy wasn’t very excited about that, but in general she lets him near her, and their walkabouts are becoming more frequent. I am happy that they listen to me more and more now.

I’m exploring Puppy Culture and training the dogs using their methods. Could be interesting. Teddy seemed to benefit from his first 8 weeks of life immersed in Puppy Culture trainings, so perhaps it could be helpful for the pups as well.