The eagerly awaited puppies arrived without a hitch on August 31st. Little red potatos and an exact repeat of their first litter.
Grandsire Dash and Aunt JJ keep a close eye on the new ones.
Notice the pink noses they are born with. By the end of the first week, the pigment is changing to black.
On day 3, in addition to neurological stimulation through specific handling, Early Scent Introduction begins. All had very clear negative reactions to the vanilla bean (seen on my sleeve). Find out more about this: Baby Noses. The video below is from day 4 with orange essence.
Ottie is a very laid back, easy going and attentive mom. With ten puppies, the first week is spent rotating them every 2 hours to make sure everyone has an equal chance at the milk bar.
It doesn't take long for them to start getting big. By the end of the week, we get to sleep through the night!
As Ottie and JJ were raised by a commune of goldens, the tradition continues. By the end of the week, Ottie is more than happy to have some help with the cleanup duties. This certainly isn't something some females would allow, but ours believe the village should be involved. It was common to find Callie or Gamine in each other's whelping box, or nursing each other's puppies. While JJ doesn't get to be a mom, she makes a knock out nanny.
Notice the noses are getting darker.
Changing of the collars. They are becoming big puppies.
Lavender day.
Next up, eyes and ears will be opening, and they will be toddling soon!
