Puppies were 5 weeks old yesterday and what a day it was! It was their first time outside in the xpen on the deck. It was a beautiful day with a nice breeze. They just hollered alot. They wanted to be out running all over. But we did feed them outside and they pottied shortly afterward. That was much better on cleanup!

They also had their 5 week photos taken. Some were cooperative and some were too silly for the bait.

So far the puppies have interacted with other adult dogs here, had four different vistors (men and women), have walked on hard wood floors, carpeting, rugs, newspaper, and now a wooden deck. Soon they will get to experience grass, dirt, gravel and sand. We have a tunnel and small "dog walk" to introduce them to obstacles. We have lots of toys, bones and a cardboard box to crawl through or lay in. It is so good for them to experience different surfaces and new experiences. They still need introduced to children and more people. And soon it will be the new owners responsibility to continue the socialization and shaping process that we have laid the foundation for.

The puppies are a hoot! They have made a great discovery in the Living room. The big dogs have a toy and bone bucket! It is just too funny to see these little babies chewing on a large knuckle bone!

Brinn is the future Agility star. She tries to squeeze out of the puppy pen every chance she gets. She has no qualms about knocking down the baby gate that blocks the dining room and walking across and through the slats.

Auntie Merica babysat with pups a bit this morning. They just love Merica (she is close to their size! lol) and she loves the babies! She plays ever so gently with them. She does get a strange expression on her face when they try to nurse though! : )

We took pictures yesterday, and the link will be up on the litter page soon. They are eating well, they would eat almost all the time if I let them, but then they would be even chubbier than they are now. : )

They do not like to potty in their pen. They will holler and holler. They want to be let out in the dog room. It is good that they want to keep their pen clean. Next step will be getting them outside on the deck to potty. This transition will take awhile. They have not been outside yet, I like to introduce the outside world at 5 weeks. They have explored the dog room, kitchen, dinning room and living room. They think they are world travelers.... just wait until they see how big a world it is outside. : )

These pups are just too precious and I have them spoiled already. : ) They hear my voice and start hollering to be let out of their pen. They are all eating gruel like it is in shortage.

This morning they all toddled around the dog room while I cleaned out the puppy pen. Two were crawling between crates (covered tunnel - lol)! Several went right up to Lulu and play bowed and barked at her through the inside run fencing. Others sniffed Millie and Newt through their crate doors. What fun they are having.

We took 3 Week puppy pictures yesterday (okay... 3 week, 1 day pictures). Too soon to tell too much about structure in these pics as they are just plump pretty puppies at this point.

This morning they were introduced to "puppy gruel" again and we had 100% participation! We soak puppy kibble in water until it is soft and then put it in the blender with water and puppy replacement milk. Sometimes we add a bit of yogurt to help with digestion. The pups really enjoyed this treat and licked and sucked at the gruel. Some ate until they were full and others tasted here and there. The fun part is how they end up stepping in it and wearing it all over their paws and muzzels. They then lick it off of eachother and of course Shady is right there to clean them up. Double bonus, she loves to clean her pups, but also it is FOOD!!! : )

We introduced the pups to their first puppy gruel today. Only Green boy, Purple Boy and Light Blue Girl were interested. I think Shady Lady is keeping them too well fed!

Puppies had fun venturing a few feet to explore the dog room while I swept and wiped down their puppy pen. The other dogs are all mesmerized by them and watch them from their crates or runs. And Strider thinks that the Green boy is his personal property! Too funny since he reminds me of Strider (his uncle).

They reconize my voice and come and lick or try to nibble or nurse my ankles. Puppies were wormed last night. We will have to take 3 week pictures tomorrow as we were too busy today.

Puppies are getting so adorable. They are toddling around, playing, barking, yipping and even howling at times. They eat and sleep alot, but so much personality is already coming out at this very young age.

Eyes are almost all the way open on all pups. Will check in a couple days for eye color. Pups are up on all fours and attempting to walk around the whelping box. Some are barking and a couple even howled when they wanted their momma for nursing. Spotting continues to come in. Nose and eye trim continues to fill in more and more each day. Toe nails to be trimmed today.

Puppies are getting big and fat! They will be two weeks old tomorrow. Eyes are starting to open and I think three are hearing today. Eyes and ears are closed at birth. It is exciting to watch their eyes beging to crack open. And to monitor who is starting to hear.

Shady Lady had her puppies by C-Section on Sunday, April 22, 2007. There are EIGHT puppies! Three boys and Five Girls. One of the boys is a liver colored patch. Two of the girls are also liver spotted.