These are not comedians but they sure are fun!

Dart playing with the puppies!   

She loves puppies more than anything.  She wanted to get in the whelping box when they were born but Bizzy would have none of it back then.

Dart played with the puppies  for a long time and when they left she went and play bowed to them to get another game going.  Dart is the mother of the Comedy litter, born last June.

Mr. Red strutting his stuff

The puppies are growing so fast! They love being outside to romp and explore the entire yard! They spent a beautiful afternoon with Bizzy, Goose and Dart and lots of toys to play with. It always amazes me that they can find the one new toy that is brought in every time - just like kids.

More photos are being uploaded to Smugmug. We're heading to Gayle's in the morning so I will do the best I can to post to the blog over the next few days.

Busy, Busy, Busy

 

Today the puppies used the wobble board for the first time. They also got to be out in the rain for a while and then finally they had their first thunderstorm. When the storm hit I got Bizzy in the box and when the thunder sounded cookies rained from the sky. The puppies liked the cookies but Bizzy thought it was awesome! We had lots of company today - friends stopped by for a visit. It was a quiet day hanging out with puppies and enjoying old friends.



We decided today that we're going to take the litter to Gayle's on Wednesday. They need more stimulation than we can give them right now. So, we'll head up early and begin our long woods walks. I have uploaded more photos, unedited, so enjoy.

We must be cute....

..... everyone keeps coming to visit us.


Today we had 14 visitors! We played outside for almost four hours with only a few short naps. Judy came back with Emily and brought Ben this time. Patti brought her family by too. Paul, Maureen and Danny Stusalitus came from Connecticut to see the puppies. A lucky boy will be going home with them.

Danny Stusalitus playing with Mr. Purple - introducing him to hoods

Erin Gutzeit playing tug with Mr. Brown

Mr. Red trotting across the yard

We spend a lot of time just moving puppies from place to place introducing them to as many sights, sounds and textures as possible. They have met 60 different people as of today. Yesterday they went for their first woods walk. Yes, Marcy and Jim took all eleven puppies into the woods and turned them loose to walk over branches, leaves, stumps and down trails. They said they did really well negotiating the terrain.The puppies' following instinct has kicked in so they are right on your heels when you are in any new places.

I have put many new photos on Smugmug but I warn you I have not edited out the poor quality photos. There is a cute video of Bizzy in the kitchen playing with the puppies. I ran out of disk space, but you'll see what a GREAT mom she is!

This looks like fun!

Miss Black showing on the way to the boat.

Miss Green considering the options

The puppies kept me running today! I got them out early because it was going to rain so by 8:00 a.m. we were outside. They found the toys and they love to play on the step. You'll see in some photos some cheap dog beds to break the fall so they are safe. The newest toy for them is my Poke Boat. The boat is a lightweight boat I use for field training. It was up against the fence and I didn't want it to fall over on the puppies so I layed it down and put bricks under it so it could not rock. Well, they thought it was pretty cool! There is a video of their first time with the boat. By the time we went inside everyone was jumping into the boat on their own. There are lots of photos today, but I have not edited much - just no time!

We NEED more toys!

Can you think of a better way to spend your vacation from school? Puppies and Grandma Judy for the afternoon. Emily brought toys for everyone and we spent the afternoon playing in the kitchen with the puppies.

Emily and Judy enjoying the puppies

Marcy and Michelle enjoying the puppies and beautiful day

They had energy to play even after a visit outside from our friend Michelle Foster earlier in the day. They are loving all the solid food they get but continue to nurse well. Bizzy is regurgiitating her food for them at least once a day, Ms. Raspberry picked up a huge toy that she wanted on the bed. She could not lift it up high enough so she backed around the other side of the bed and pulled it up. It was such fun to watch her figure it out. At this point we let them solve their own problems to help them be thinking dogs. Instinct when you see something struggling is to help - resist the urge! More photos are up - but not as good as yesterday's portrait, sorry ;(

"Cheese"

We decided to try and get a group shot of the litter. Thanks to Sue Johnson for her unending patience. This was quite a feat! My friend Cindy, Marcy and I chased puppies and did everything we could to get a decent shot of the litter. We had a great time, laughing, watching Cindy make a fool of herself trying to get a good photo and trying to keep the pups from killing themselves as they dove toward the noise. Usually pups freeze for a moment when they hear a loud noise, but these guys did not give us that luxury. We had a blast and I think Sue did an amazing job. It was also a big day for the game birds because they had their first solid food and just loved it. No problems figuring out food with this crew! We will feed them on different types of dishes in different places to help them adjust to eating anywhere, anytime.

I'll post whatever shots I have on smugmug - enjoy!

A much better day :)

Today was a much better day for me - no mishaps but lots of fun showing off the babies. We had seven visitors today. Our first vistors, Sue and Dan, helped me get the puppies outside where they roamed the yard and chased mom for a snack. I got a blanket for the old lady (me) to sit on and we just sat and enjoyed the beautiful day with the babies.

Sue Johnson schmoozing with Mr. Red

Not long after Sherry arrived with her daughter Maddy and her friend Casey. Sherry asked how long they had to visit and I told her I had to leave in two and a half hours. She laughed.... yet two and a half hours later they were still enjoying the pups.

Casey (left) and Maddy (right) playing with the puppies.

(They get an A+ for socializing the puppies today)

Then Kerry arrived and my friend Ann surprised me with a visit. I had to count puppies when Ann left because she was going to steal one of the girls thinking I might not notice :) Good thing she can't have a puppy right now or I'd have to frisk her at the door. They are all sleeping right now and it is quiet. Quiet is not an adjective I'd use for this litter very often.
I'm going to take advantage of the time.... Enjoy the photos I've posted recently.
BTW, Ms. Rainbow is 100% She gave the rest of the pups a run for their money today :)

Ms. Rainbow had quite a day...

We had lots of company today. Pat (who is getting a puppy from the litter) and her friend Deb came to visit from New Jersey. They arrived while Sandy Washburn was visiting and then two good friends of mine arrived. When all the puppies were awake we took them outside. They loved it! It was much warmer than it was yesterday morning so they got to stay out and play for a bit. While we were outside Ms. Rainbow was accidentally stepped on. So Ms. Rainbow got her first car ride, vet visit and x-ray. She is just fine as you can see from the photos below. She is trying to get Mr. Brown to play - notice the foot in the air :)
She loved all the attention and everyone in the emergency clinic fell in love with her! Sandy called to check on us and told me that Bizzy is looking for the missing puppy - you'd think ten was enough ;) When Rainbow got home she got a long private nursing session and then went to sleep with her brothers and sisters.

Ms. Rainbow playing with Mr. Brown

Ms. Rainbow with her tug toy!

Not much time for photos today but there are a few up from tonight - mostly of Rainbow, I think.

The big outdoors...

Mr. Blue finds a toy in the straw

Marcy, Jim and I took the puppies outside this morning and they did well with their adventure. They loved the straw I have in the yard to control the mud. They followed mom to get a snack and then explored a bit. Ms. Pink followed mom across the yard to a big bush. Bizzy kept pushing her around with her nose as if she wanted to keep her away from it. Pink ignored her and climbed around in the bush until we went to get her. When they began to get cold we brought them back into their box and they slept for quite a while! We took some photos of the outing.

OMG, what a difference two days makes!

Phoebe and Mr. Red getting acquainted!

Marcy and I have been away in Massachusetts playing agility with a few other Gaylan folks for the last two days and Marcy's husband Jim has been home with Bizzy and the pups.   We got home around 11 pm tonight.  The first thought I had was whose puppies are these?   In two days they have changed dramatically!    They recognize people as soon as they come into the room and rush to the edge of the pen tails wagging.  They have found out they can make their brothers and sisters scream by applying some mouth pressure on their body parts!   They pick up toys and RUN across the pen with them.  And the best part, they have at least an 80% success rate in the litter box!!!

This picture was taken last Saturday when Phoebe Teramoto and Helen Sherman were visiting.  Sorry there are no pictures or video, but we promise to have some great shots for you tomorrow!!!!  

They keep putting us in here...

What is this stuff?  (Ms. Black is actually sleeping)

Our focus right now is potty training.   Whenever they wake up I try to get in the pen and put them in the litter pan to do their business.  The idea is to get all the smells  in the pan and the pen is kept as clean as possible so they begin to understand where to do business.  It is a process, but amazing when you see them "get it".  By no means are they perfect but they are going into the litter pan on their own.  

Ms. Green sleeping on the purple bunny

Is it difficult to get photos of them playing because the pen is small for potty training and there are so many puppies. I've finally gotten the photos/video off the camera from the weekend and am uploading them now. Enjoy!

We love our new digs....

Can you find me in here?

The puppies have adapted well to their new home. Bizzy has been feeding them well with all of them having nice weight gains last night. They are playing with each other and the toys that are in the pen. We have put litter pans in the pen to begin their housebreaking and tonight Mr. Purple went in by himself.... we have liftoff!

Post-surgical mom with Mr. Red making her smile :)

My mother has been living with me after her total knee replacement. She's had a rough time but Mr. Red did his thing making her feel better. I think he's earned his TDI tonight!

I've posted a few photos but the video is on a card that won't load so you'll have to check back tomorrow.

We have video - 23 days old!

YouTube decided to let me upload tonight!

Although I say it is March 9th, it really was taken today, March 11th.

Enjoy the video.

We're almost at 30 ...

... visitors, that is. This afternoon Renee and Stefanie Rainer stopped by for a visit and got to watch them play. Their teeth are coming in and they are mouthing everything!! Mr. Purple was pulling one of the toys across the pen. Tonight Phyllis Covino stopped by and stole some kisses on her way to obedience class. They had just fallen asleep, so she did not get to see much other than pure cuteness.

Renee and Stefanie Rainer with Ms. Rainbow and the gang.

What a set of mugs!!

I have not had a lot of success with YouTube, so I have not been able to put up any video.  If I have success, I will put up another blog entry.   In the meantime, check out the week four photos section to see new photos and video there.

Three weeks already!

I cannot believe the puppies are three weeks old already. Seven of the puppies are over three pounds (our goal) with the other four just a few ounces behind. They are marching around the box, interacting with toys and really playing with each other. They had their youngest visitor today. Kerry brought Michaela (18 months) to visit and I had great shots of them but I'm having a problem with my computer and I lost a bunch of photos so I'll have to add the photos I still have tomorrow but will put a few that I got downloaded on the blog so you can get your puppy fix tonight - for anyone who is still up!

This is hard work...

Enjoying a snack

Mr. Purple pulling on the toy

Nothing really new...

All the pups are doing well. It's been a day of hanging out with my mom and dad while they enjoy the puppies. Bizzy is enjoying the extra attention, too! They are getting quite good at nursing standing up. There are a few more photos in the week three photos - notice how crowded the laundry basket is - Mr. Purple actually climbed out this evening!

Bizzy brought breakfast for the kids...

I let all the dogs out this morning (that's seven adults between Bizzy, Marcy's and my dogs) and after a few minutes I look outside my filthy sliding door and see Bizzy sitting there with live breakfast and a big grin on her face. All the dogs want this thing and it's a comedy trying to get the other dogs in without Bizzy bringing it into the house. She dissapears to bury it while I grab a bag. When I get there it is not in the hole. I assumed it was OK (the dogs are trained on birds so why not squirrels??)
So I let the dogs out again and Bizzy arrived again with the squirrel. I grabbed the bag and put it around the squirrel and told her to give. She gently dropped it in the bag. Nice to have a trained dog! Thank you - Donna :)



The puppies are entertaining my mom who just moved in for a while after having a knee replacement done. Nothing like puppies to make the day brighter. We did their nails with a dremel today and most of them were very good about it. We've had to get a bigger box to weigh them in as they begin to approach three pounds. Marcy took some video that won't upload to youtube so you'll need to look at it through smugmug, instead. It's a few minutes long of them nursing - be sure to listen, too. Enjoy!

Photo Op

How's this for relaxing?

The pups have become drunken sailors, moving around the box with purpose but they are not efficient. Now that they can hear they love to hear themselves sing. I will try my best to videotape it. The comedians (the last litter I raised) also liked to sing, but nobody ever heard them but me so I will leave the camera ready to tape the first note. I've added a few photos to the album.
Check back tomorrow for some video clips.

A New Stage

Tonight we did the last set of bio-sensor exercises using a pheasant for their novel scent.  When I got home tonight I put Bizzy back in the box after pottying and feeding her.  The puppies woke up and wanted to eat, but Bizzy was going to clean the pen first.  In the Week Three Photos section you will see the puppies trying very hard to nurse standing up.   It is not unusual for people to want to help the puppies, but figuring out how to get the food is a important part of their development - so you just watch them struggle and admire their "stick-to-it-tiveness," as my grandfather used to say.

A lot of people have asked me which puppy I am keeping - the answer is, the one I'm holding at the time. We so love spending time watching them grow each day. We hope you enjoy it as well through this blog.

Day 15 - Life Is Good

The puppies continue to thrive. They want to thank Sue Carpenter for supplying tonight's novel scent - chukkar. It is amazing to hear and feel the deep breaths they take when presented with a scent that stimulates something in their genes. Tomorrow, their last day of bio-sensor, the scent will be pheasant. Tonight every puppy got off the frozen plate without uttering a sound - the time ranged between 6 and 25 seconds.

They are definitely starting to hear, so we are keeping the sounds low for the next few days. Be sure to check out the new photos, which will be in the Week Three Photos section. Enjoy!

Bizzy is just beginning to nurse sitting up - an important part of their development.

Our friend Judy, stealing kisses from Ms. Black.

It might be time to get a second basket - it's getting crowded in here!!!

Not too hot, not too cold.... just right

Today Marcy moved everyone into a larger whelping box to give Bizzy a little more room to lay down when the puppies are sprawled, as they often are. Bizzy seems to like the larger box. We've added some toys and a bed to the box. We'll begin to check to see if the puppies can hear tomorrow and when they respond to our voices or clapping we will begin to introduce them to all the noises we can think of. I've added a few more photos to their album.

Day 13

Here is a video of the pups on Day 13.  Most of their eyes are fully open.  They had their nails trimmed today.  They had bio-sensor over the weekend using leather and tripe.   Tonight's scent will be salmon oil.   This video is almost four minutes long.  Hope you guys enjoy!

Nice Surprise!

Miss Green getting comfy

The whole gang - notice Mr. Brown's eyes are open

Marcy and I got home after spending the weekend at Gayle's.  She and Andy hosted a FABULOUS breeding seminar, given by Dr. Mary Stankovics and Debbie Leach. Jim was kind enough to take on puppy duty so we could go, and he did a great job!  Not only did the pups gain nice weights, but - surprise - their eyes have opened :o)   Saturday our friends Judy and Fred Wilpon stopped by with their grandkids.  Bizzy greeted them and proudly showed off her pups.

We are getting ready for a nor' easter, which has promised to dump 10-14 inches on us by tomorrow evening.  It's a good thing the pups can't go outside yet - they would certainly get lost in the snow.

We will start taking pictures again over the next few days, depending on lighting conditions.   Until then, I hope you all had a great weekend!