Pups are doing great! Upping their intake growing and tolerating their meals well! Between them they're gobbling up about 6 cups of kibble a day. Nearly ready for an increase again I think. Gave them the opportunity to try it plain yesterday, unblended and un-soaked. They're not yet ready to transition but it shouldn't be long as each showed interest and most gave it a go. The first day or so I fed them Victor Professional but after a near immediate response of loose poo, I've come to the conclusion the food's too rich for them... or something? As a result I've gone back to the previously tried and true IAMS Large Breed Puppy which they seem to be tolerating well.
Great day yesterday, despite the rain, as we welcomed Brendan and his daughter, Emerson, to the land of pups to get selections underway. And just like that "Miss Red" became Hera! The pups, most specifically the girls this time, soaked up all the extra love, attention and handling Em was happy to provide! Kids and Dobermans! A truly magical combo!
The rest of the day was spent with the big kids... frisbee for all who would entertain the game and just hanging out with those who weren't so inclined. They're all loving the cooler temps, drizzle or not!
Then it was on to some reorganization. The whelping box has been dismantled and I've once again reclaimed my bedroom! The pups are in the neighboring mud room in a corral that has seen much use and has worked so well for me and past litters. Their current housing which will remain up for the duration provides a potty area of shavings, a cot bed that they sometimes sleep on, sometimes sleep under and unfortunately sometime poo on. Next to the bed a food/water station. Hopefully they'll soon figure out what each station is best suited for.
While I always miss the presence of the pups as I retire for the night, it's also nice to once again open things up for each of the big dogs. Normally, all get their allotted rotations on and off the bed and some quality alone time with mom. Last night I wrapped up the evening with my Fancy Girl, the hairy one! Brush in hand and movie in the background. Multitasking as usual. Thankful for Netflix and the "rewind" button.
So, with week five upon us, it seems a photo session is is order and I'll get started with same today. Not promising how long it will take to get and post the photos this time. Seems it always takes longer than I anticipate. I think my brother had it right when he said many years ago, "regardless of project, assume it will take three times as long as you think it might". I've found that to be a pretty good way to approach "projects" in general! At least the project at hand is a fun one!
I'll be calling everyone on the list in the next few days to try and set up a time for everyone to come select their pups. But like I said, it's still early in the game. Lots of time!
Great day yesterday, despite the rain, as we welcomed Brendan and his daughter, Emerson, to the land of pups to get selections underway. And just like that "Miss Red" became Hera! The pups, most specifically the girls this time, soaked up all the extra love, attention and handling Em was happy to provide! Kids and Dobermans! A truly magical combo!
The rest of the day was spent with the big kids... frisbee for all who would entertain the game and just hanging out with those who weren't so inclined. They're all loving the cooler temps, drizzle or not!
Then it was on to some reorganization. The whelping box has been dismantled and I've once again reclaimed my bedroom! The pups are in the neighboring mud room in a corral that has seen much use and has worked so well for me and past litters. Their current housing which will remain up for the duration provides a potty area of shavings, a cot bed that they sometimes sleep on, sometimes sleep under and unfortunately sometime poo on. Next to the bed a food/water station. Hopefully they'll soon figure out what each station is best suited for.
While I always miss the presence of the pups as I retire for the night, it's also nice to once again open things up for each of the big dogs. Normally, all get their allotted rotations on and off the bed and some quality alone time with mom. Last night I wrapped up the evening with my Fancy Girl, the hairy one! Brush in hand and movie in the background. Multitasking as usual. Thankful for Netflix and the "rewind" button.
So, with week five upon us, it seems a photo session is is order and I'll get started with same today. Not promising how long it will take to get and post the photos this time. Seems it always takes longer than I anticipate. I think my brother had it right when he said many years ago, "regardless of project, assume it will take three times as long as you think it might". I've found that to be a pretty good way to approach "projects" in general! At least the project at hand is a fun one!
I'll be calling everyone on the list in the next few days to try and set up a time for everyone to come select their pups. But like I said, it's still early in the game. Lots of time!