Pups are thriving, trim is moving, spots continue to clear, and the pups are starting to play with one another. I've added toys to their box and they been walking through a short tunnel (actually a large PVC section), climbing on and snuggling with pillows, investigating a large plastic glass, and sniffing at other new items. I've added decals to the inside of the box, moved the Activity Box downstairs (they are too young for it yet, but it won't be long now), and picked up a few new toys just for them. A bottle with clanking balls inside, a clean new scrub brush that will feel strange when they sniff it, and some bright colored items to hang over the edge of the box - large wooden beads, and bright red funnels. Everything is an adventure for pups this age!
Pups are still confined to the 4 x 4 foot whelping box unless I am with them. They like to explore the pen, but aren't ready to have full access to it yet as they would not necessarily be able to find their way back into the box. On Friday, when they are three weeks old I'll take the front panel out of the whelping box and give them more space to explore. (The box is in a wire pen.)_
Fern is very fond of our friend Sue who came over to walk Josie and visit the pups yesterday, so she had another friend visiting her puppies. Soon Fern will have to adjust to visits from strangers, but seems very sensible about this motherhood business. The pups were all out of the box exploring, but they quickly found Sue's lap and curled up for a nap - except for little Orange who is now known as Mira. Right after I took this picture of Sue and pups, Mira took off on another adventure. She's the smallest puppy and I'm convinced it's because she's too busy doing other things to chow down when the others are eating.
Today I'll pick up Fulton, the liver boy I co-own from last year's litter. Fulton is almost a year old and I sold him as a companion, but kept show rights - I can show him at my own expense. He was a lovely puppy, but I was not ready to keep another boy last winter, so he lives locally and may soon be starting his show career. I'll pick him up this morning and meet up with my daughter Jess for a photo session, and some training. The goal is to start him at shows in October, if we can get him ready by then. Fulton's owners have done a great job with him and he is well trained and well socialized, which makes everything easier.
Yes, I am adjusting to retirement - it's easy! Comes naturally, in fact!
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