Say it ain't so

The puppies are not yet even 4 weeks old, and on Saturday morning we came out to the kitchen to discover one rotten little pupper crawling around, eager to discover a whole new world outside the whelping pool. Why??? Why can't they just be happy with life in the pool? It's purple, it's big, it has colored fishies swimming on the sides, it's easy to clean ... all legitimate reasons as far as I'm concerned, but obviously not enough for 8 little puppies about to make my life my more hectic and my mornings pure noisy chaos.

What happens out on the kitchen floor? They visit the other Aussies through their crate doors, they get snarked at my Gramma Hannah, get a lip lifted by Papa Gracin ... both silly from these two so protectice of their space. But put them all out together and Hannah is only too happy to nurture her grand-puppies, and Gracin almost plays with them. Paisley, on the other hand, is more than happy to lay down and let them think they can nurse while she happily washes their faces and other parts. And Mama Emmy has no objection and seems to welcome the help.

(Auntie Paisley pulling puppy duty)

The puppies growl and bark at one another and try to roughhouse but in their puppy-clumsiness usually topple over, which starts a whole new game of discovery as they roll around on their backs, stretching, reaching out to grab a toy or edge of the blankie. It's non-stop entertainment and seriously, I could sit and watch them all day.

Personalities are definitely emerging ... Murray is the snuggly one of the bunch and loves to be held and cuddled, and easily returns the affection. My buddy Lee is a fiesty little character who thinks he's a real tough guy with his baby growls which soon give way to his clown-like playfulness and expression. Madison is very demanding. She may not have been the first one out of the pool but is the puppy to now master getting out of the pool, or at least carrying on with non-stop whining and howling until I finally give in and lift her out. She's beautiful, and independent, and seems to have a puppy grace about her. All in all, the whole bunch is just pure joy.

Emmy has surprised me with her calm nature as a mama. She's accepted all visitors with enthusiam for any attention and affection aimed at her. We had young children visit the other day and she was just as comfortable with the little ones in the pool petting puppies as she is with adults. What a fine example she's setting for her young family, teaching them to be relaxed and trusting with humans. Now, if she would only teach them to sleep in beyond 5:00 in the morning, we'd have 'er made.

Happy Trails ... Theresa