4 weeks old today!

Boca's pups are 4 weeks old today.  They have had a busy week with lots of new experiences; they are developing a bit more coordination, eyesight and hearing and starting to show individual traits.  They are also playing more and getting into little spats which end quickly and generally peacefully when they all fall asleep. 

They had several visitors on Tuesday as it was our raw food co-op's delivery day at our house.  The pups were exhausted by the end of the day (we win!). 

They continue to get new things to interact with in their pens and we have started feeding them warmed goat milk.  They LOVE it! 

For those keeping score since we have been remiss in providing individual updates...

  • Q unofficial first out of the whelping box (disqualified due to an assist from Boca) and really vying for "most photogenic"; also the heaviest (don't give him a complex)
  • Money Penny official 'first out of the whelping box' winner!  And while originally a bit of a wallflower (resting on her laurels from arriving first on whelping day), she is now quite the schemer. 
  • Mr Green first to do the mini teeter; has quieted down somewhat (yes he gets held), but will still scream at the barriers; likes to motor, sleep, eat and WAG. 
  • Vesper first to howl and in the lead for "first to instigate puppy cage match war", but Money Penny is annoyed at this and scheming to unseat her
  • Electra continues to maintain her lead over Q and Mr Green for the "most love of the GoPro" and also, befitting her collar color, the one who screams when she doesn't get her way (think "I want an Oompa Loompa NOW!") 

If you are in the Northern California area and want to visit, please contact us! 

Pups Day 25

Over the past week we figured out our "do laundry, ALL THE TIME" rhythm.  Thanks to our generous friends who have such GREAT gear, Dave built an outdoor pen for the pups to explore for a few hours each day and they also entertained their first visitors at our house.  Clearly the pups enjoy exploring new things! 

Dave is also experimenting with the GoPro - we now have a Lego cart!  Obviously it is also quite interesting ... 

And here are a few other pics of the pups from today (I am guessing this is the last safe day to get this low with them in their pen!): 

Pups Day 18

Or 17 days old ... depending on how you look at it.  Either way we look at it, they are awfully cute and we can spend hours just watching them.  They are getting closer to being able to walk but certainly won't win any movement classes with their gaits.  They are also starting to mouth eachother and explore the limits of the whelping box.  

Some of them are already loving (or at least very curious about) the camera!  Another common theme is that their heads get very heavy when filled with thoughts of escape ... so they must rest them on something.  And ... in case anyone is keeping score from our FaceBook posts, Mr Green continues to be *quite* vocal. 

Most of these photos were shot this morning with natural light since their eyes have recently opened and are not ready for full on blasts of light/flash.  The pups also got to enjoy a laundry basket ride to the auxiliary area (swimming pool in ex pens) while we cleaned up the main area. 

Check below for Dave's video of the walking adventures! 

This is the last update for a bit as we are heading back into the work week, but please enjoy!


Transitions

Today we had to say goodbye to little Odd Job (the tiny boy born 2nd).  I know we all did everything we could to help him, but in the end it wasn't meant to be.  We know he had a lot of support and for that we thank you. 

The past few days have also shown us new beginnings.  The other 5 pups continue to be fat and happy and are starting to open their eyes and actively explore the whelping box (and soon beyond the box if we aren't careful).  They are also quite vocal, as demonstrated during their ENS exercises which definitely elicited some strong opinions!

Here are a few photos of the pups taken over the past couple weeks. 

Money Penny, 1st born girl

Electra, 3rd born girl

Mr. Green, 4th born boy

Q, 5th born boy

Vesper, 6th born girl

As an aside ... I have a healthy newfound respect for the photographers who get great photos of young puppies - this is no easy task and clearly I must plan better than just grabbing for my phone when the pups look cute.