Today took us on a slightly different and unexpected adventure. A couple days ago, while I was cleaning the indoor habitat I peaked in on the pups as I frequently do while they're eating on the deck. They had finished their meal and were romping around as usual. But it seemed the group was a few short of a full litter. I thought maybe some were in the dog house so I tapped on the window which generally prompts them to surface. Next I walked into the bedroom to view the run from the window there. But no pups... at least not within the run. I was a bit surprised by what I saw next... pups outside the kennel bouncing around with Galtero. He was dancing around them and it appeared everyone was having a grand old time. I'm not entirely sure they knew the difference between Galtero and mom though so I figured it was in everyones's best interest to retrieve the pups and identify exactly how they escaped in the first place. I walked out to find the biggest and the smallest... Drita and Rocky. I wasn't terribly surprised to find Drita but figured there'd have to be a pretty big gap in the situation to allow Rocky to slip through. I looked around and discovered an area between the deck and the fence with a freshly dug divot. I was aware they could get down there. The area's about 4 inches wide -the width of the 4x4's used as corner posts for the fence. I was not aware however, they'd be able to dig their way out. They must have dug while laying on their sides. I assessed the situation and figured I could remedy the breech by laying a board on its side that would prevent further digging. An easy fix for now. I put Drita and Rocky back in the pen and resumed my cleaning but wondering if they'd find a new avenue of escape I kept an eye on them. In no time flat I again saw pups bouncing around outside their confines. This time Zeus and Drita! I went out to retrieve them and did yet another parameter check. I added a couple blocks and that held them in while I finished the indoor space. This morning I discovered just how smart and determined the little buggers are though! Especially one!!!! Same scenario. They were eating, I was cleaning and again I looked out to see Drita had managed to escape. And honestly, this time I have no idea how she managed to slither through but there she was bouncing around with mom. I went to check on the two of them and decided Skye would keep her safe for the short amount of time it would take to finish. Tomorrow I'll have to let them out and watch rather than tidy things up right away. But today, with habitat once again ready, I went out to retrieve my orange collared girl one more time. What I found was pretty endearing... a mom and daughter moment. Naturally I had to grab my camera. That in itself set the tone for the rest of the day. With their meal behind them, ready as a group for a snooze I brought everyone in for safekeeping and out individually for pics with mom. As it turned out, getting started on my weekly photos was simplified with Skye in attendance. She kept them occupied so I didn't have to run in order to get some distance between them and myself -or wait patiently while they found something of interest to explore. By the end of the day, I finished about half and got some cute mom and pup pics of each. These chilly mornings and short days are killing me though! Tomorrow the rest will receive the same opportunity. I discovered it was a win win! I get my pics and Skye gets to school her pups on an individual basis. I think I can officially say they prefer me over her now. I don't think I'm quite as strict. Top that with being more generous with the grub and I've got their devotion hands down. They still love their momma though.
I checked the local forecast and we're supposed to have fair skies tomorrow with highs in the low sixties but unfortunately that will probably be the end of our outdoor escapades. It's not supposed to get out of the forties for the remainder of days leading up to our first cropping appointment. For them, it's too cold and for me a serious bummer!
Tomorrow we welcome Dale and his family and that will complete our selection process enabling all to start the New Year right with the knowledge of who's got who. Regardless of which pup you chose or acquired by default, I'm sure each and every one of you will be happy. I may be biased but once again I say... a really nice litter!
I checked the local forecast and we're supposed to have fair skies tomorrow with highs in the low sixties but unfortunately that will probably be the end of our outdoor escapades. It's not supposed to get out of the forties for the remainder of days leading up to our first cropping appointment. For them, it's too cold and for me a serious bummer!
Tomorrow we welcome Dale and his family and that will complete our selection process enabling all to start the New Year right with the knowledge of who's got who. Regardless of which pup you chose or acquired by default, I'm sure each and every one of you will be happy. I may be biased but once again I say... a really nice litter!
The look on their faces cracks me up! Those eyes!!!
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