Day 4

Four days old this morning and already filled out, plump little puppers. Emmy is a wonderful mama, so relaxed with them and with us, too. She's not keen on Capri getting too close to the pool but doesn't seem really bothered with the others milling about the kitchen. Hannah and Paisley each got a brief turn in the pool yesterday, just long enough to sniff and snuffle, and determine these weren't their long lost puppies ... and to make sure Emmy is doing an adequate job. Em, of course, was outside and no where near when the other girls were visiting.

Shelley headed back to Maidstone this morning, but will return in a few weeks. In the meantime, the "other" Granny finally has the chance to really get in there and get to know these babies. We can already see a few snippets of personality starting to emerge, with little black girl quite a voracious eater (and the waistline to prove it); she doesn't often miss out on a meal. Little red merle girl always crawls across or sleeps laying across the rest of her siblings.
Emmy has a very good appetite and is enjoying all the variety I'm providing her with. As a result, she has plenty of milk and babies are taking full advantage of the full milk bar. She still really enjoys her walks around the fenceline and has no problem leaving the kids to join us on our walks, but is quite anxious to get back into the house on our return.
I'll begin today with the "Early Neurological Stimulation" program as recommended by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. Wouldn't want to change a thing as we strive for the most balanced, well socialized, roll-with-the-punches puppies on the planet.

http://www.breedingbetterdogs.com/articles/early_neurological_stimulation_en.php

Happy Trails ... Theresa