Down to the Nitty Gritty

I moved the pups into a larger pen this weekend. Once the two Doodle rescues left, there was a really big one available and the pups seem to be enjoying it. They were pretty crabby Sunday afternoon and woke up whiny a couple times that night, but it's home now. They adjust fast. The one problem is the water bowl. They've discovered it. That is, they've discovered the water splashes. So now they always have dirty water... if there is anything left in the bowl... and wet floors. (Which just matches what the big dogs are dealing with outdoors. We've had enough rain to get us into March with some left over. My "road" is patches of dirt and gravel between ruts, speed limit... even for the teens living up the hill... is 3-4 mph.)

I'll post weights Thursday and Friday as the first 4 pups go to the vet. I expect they're going to be pretty big!

Probably no pups from Diamond
I'll know for sure Thursday, but it looks like Diamond is skipping this breeding cycle. Bummer.

Doing Great

The gang is doing so well it is almost scary! Mornings are still a little trying for them... and me... but judging by their insistence this AM, it is more their wanting to bend me to their will than anything else. They were really obnoxiously loud and DEMANDING around 7. And I was equally obnoxiously ABSENT from their room! When I stuck my head in at 9, they were all smiles.

They are eating me out of house and home. All of them LOVE the Royal Canin. It is a very good (ie: high priced) puppy food. I started using it a number of years ago because it is so digestible it makes for good stools and FEWER of them than cheaper puppy chows do. It is not such a big deal with just one or two pups, but NINE make a lot of mess several times a day! And I'll never be able to figure out what it is about puppies and clean newspaper. First off, when I change the paper in the pen, it is like challenging them to see how quickly they can dirty it up. Then, if I'm "flying" a section in to cover a pile or two in an otherwise spotless pen, they all watch and attack the paper while it is still in the air! Just judging by that, this entire bunch is going to excel at frisbee!

Final payments due
I've just emailed a reminder that the pups are going to be 8 weeks on the 29th... which is when the final payment is due. Let me know if you don't remember how much that is.

Diamond
I could be wrong, but Di seems to be getting a little belly on her. She is just 3 weeks "along" and maybe I just noticed after she'd eaten, but it is a good sign!

A Cotton Son Checks In

Brady in New York

After having him in the family a month, Brady's mom writes
Hi
I wanted to let you know that Brady is doing beautifully. We absolutely adore him, and he has won over everyone he has met! I'll keep sending the occasional update to show you how he is doing!
~Stacey

LOVE hearing from my puppies' people and seeing how much they're growing, BUT I'm still on dial up and downloading large files is impossible. Stacey sent me several photos but my computer (or phone!) gave up after the first one. I know, I should really look into high speed, but the last time I checked it wasn't available out here (except through the cable company and I don't think so!) So, please, downsize.

And earlier this week, I heard from the other Cotton boy in New York:
Sherry, we took Cooper down the beach with us for the past 4 days-he didn't love the car ride; but everyone in the hotel loved him. I can't tell you how many people stopped us in the lobby, on the boardwalk, on the walking paths everywhere to tell us what a cute pup. Everyone commented on his looks and his behavior (very mellow). Car ride going home was fine.
Enjoy your labor day.
Doug


Grooming appointment
Di is going to get her hair done tomorrow so I may be able to tell if she really is getting a little belly on her. I wish they'd come up with a pregnancy test for dogs that actually works!