To me this is just one more way that Rosie is showing how awesome she is. It is incredible to me that she has such solid instincts on how to help these puppies grow and develop. She still lets them nurse a little bit, but she is also much more hesitant about constant nursing. She still plays with the puppies, and is watchful when they are being handled, which suggests that she still cares for them, but shes just done being a nursing mother.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Time to Grow Up
Rosie is in full weaning mode. It is becoming more and more common to see Rosie walking around the house with a parade of puppies behind her. She will walk a few circles and then get on the couch, stretch, and then watch as the puppies try in vain to climb up to her. Rosie is ready to graduate the puppies from herself, and transition them to solid food. Considering the amount of time the puppies spend playing with solid food, or in the food dish, this doesn't seem like it should be a problem at all.
To me this is just one more way that Rosie is showing how awesome she is. It is incredible to me that she has such solid instincts on how to help these puppies grow and develop. She still lets them nurse a little bit, but she is also much more hesitant about constant nursing. She still plays with the puppies, and is watchful when they are being handled, which suggests that she still cares for them, but shes just done being a nursing mother.
To me this is just one more way that Rosie is showing how awesome she is. It is incredible to me that she has such solid instincts on how to help these puppies grow and develop. She still lets them nurse a little bit, but she is also much more hesitant about constant nursing. She still plays with the puppies, and is watchful when they are being handled, which suggests that she still cares for them, but shes just done being a nursing mother.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Learning to have fun
As the puppies get older, its becoming clear that they are discovering how to play and have fun with each other. The first sign of this came mid last week when one of the puppies began learning to run. At first he would start by the door, and do a series of awkward hops across the room towards his siblings. As the week went on, the hops became more like strides, and soon it became a common occurrence to see puppies scampering around my living room. They aren't quick, by any means, but they do have fun doing it.
As they play, it becomes easy to see some of the puppies personalities coming out. Some are always picking fights, some are always sleeping. Some love to nap, and some only love to nap by the toilet (thats a discussion for another time). Despite their different interests though, they all love playing with mom and dad. The pups love climbing on their parents, or chewing on their ears. Roy has become quite accustomed to being disturbed while sleeping. The puppies will get right in his face and start barking at him. Its impossible to adequately describe how adorable it is to watch.
As they play, it becomes easy to see some of the puppies personalities coming out. Some are always picking fights, some are always sleeping. Some love to nap, and some only love to nap by the toilet (thats a discussion for another time). Despite their different interests though, they all love playing with mom and dad. The pups love climbing on their parents, or chewing on their ears. Roy has become quite accustomed to being disturbed while sleeping. The puppies will get right in his face and start barking at him. Its impossible to adequately describe how adorable it is to watch.
Friday, June 20, 2014
Goldens are the best
I have always loved dogs. Ever since I was a kid I've loved meeting them, playing with them, and owning them. Big dogs have always had a special place in my heart, because they seem to have sweeter dispositions, and overall are more fun. Honestly, hugging a 180 Ib Newfoundland was one of the best experiences of my life (not to say my life hasn't been great, hugging a Newfoundland was just that good).
With all of that in mind- I have always been the most fond of Golden Retrievers. To me they are the perfect dog, and everything I would ever want in a dog. For those of you that may be considering getting a golden for the first time, be aware that they are incredibly friendly. They love people, and are known for wanting to please their owners. They train easily, and are relatively smart. I say relatively, because some smart dogs are known for getting into trouble, but goldens seem to toe the line of just smart enough to train easily, but not so smart that they are always in trouble. Goldens are also known for being incredibly loyal. They love their owners, and will do anything for them. Lastly, and one of my favorites is they are incredibly expressive dogs. They smile when they're happy (which is most of the time) but they also let you know when they're sad or depressed. I can tell how my goldens are doing ,at a glance.
With all of that in mind- I have always been the most fond of Golden Retrievers. To me they are the perfect dog, and everything I would ever want in a dog. For those of you that may be considering getting a golden for the first time, be aware that they are incredibly friendly. They love people, and are known for wanting to please their owners. They train easily, and are relatively smart. I say relatively, because some smart dogs are known for getting into trouble, but goldens seem to toe the line of just smart enough to train easily, but not so smart that they are always in trouble. Goldens are also known for being incredibly loyal. They love their owners, and will do anything for them. Lastly, and one of my favorites is they are incredibly expressive dogs. They smile when they're happy (which is most of the time) but they also let you know when they're sad or depressed. I can tell how my goldens are doing ,at a glance.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
There's something about the food bowl
The puppies personalities are becoming much more distinct. Turbo (these are not final names) likes to explore and go wherever his little legs can take him. Tank likes to nap anywhere, and loves being held on his back. Runt is a fighter, that never backs down even though he's the smallest of the group. Some of them enjoy speaking to me in a form of barks, growls, or whines. Some of them love to swim in the water bowl while mom is trying to drink, and some love nothing more than playing with mom and dads food. For the most part all of these activities are immediately followed by a nice long nap.
My favorite moment is when they've just finished doing something they love and they begin to sway on their feet. After a few seconds their head begins to sag, and the slip down onto the floor completely out of it.
Everyday is a new adventure for these guys, and even as I write this a couple of the puppies are experimenting with running, and jumping. There is never a dull moment with puppies.
My favorite moment is when they've just finished doing something they love and they begin to sway on their feet. After a few seconds their head begins to sag, and the slip down onto the floor completely out of it.
Everyday is a new adventure for these guys, and even as I write this a couple of the puppies are experimenting with running, and jumping. There is never a dull moment with puppies.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Puppy Play Time
Yes the title is a little cheesy- but I couldn't help it. If you could see the puppies right now you would know exactly what I mean. They are becoming incredibly active, and moving faster every day. If I want Rosie to have a moments rest I have to close the door to their room or they will find her wherever she goes in the house.
When they aren't feeding the puppies have learned how to have fun. They love digging in mom and dad's food dish, swimming in the water dish, wrestling with each other, and seeing who can growl the fiercest. The growling contests are the most adorable thing in the world to witness. Usually both puppies will sit down facing each other and begin growling/howling until they both get to tired to continue, and take a nap. I should say that none of these activities last long before its nap time again.
A play time activity I didn't mention above is exploring. The puppies are mobile enough now that they can get just about anywhere, ground level, that they want. They have gotten behind couches, under dressers, and into shoes in their attempt to become masters of their domain. It is such a delight to be around these little creatures all day long. There is always something new to see, and something new to experience.
When they aren't feeding the puppies have learned how to have fun. They love digging in mom and dad's food dish, swimming in the water dish, wrestling with each other, and seeing who can growl the fiercest. The growling contests are the most adorable thing in the world to witness. Usually both puppies will sit down facing each other and begin growling/howling until they both get to tired to continue, and take a nap. I should say that none of these activities last long before its nap time again.
A play time activity I didn't mention above is exploring. The puppies are mobile enough now that they can get just about anywhere, ground level, that they want. They have gotten behind couches, under dressers, and into shoes in their attempt to become masters of their domain. It is such a delight to be around these little creatures all day long. There is always something new to see, and something new to experience.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
The Great Outdoors
One lucky puppy got to experience the outside world for the first time. With eyes open, and trembling legs he did his best to climb over the small mounds of earth, and navigate through the relatively tall grass. He never made it very far, but it was obvious that he was curious about where he was. Of course his very overactive dad was coming over to check on him every minute or two which didn't help things. Roy tends to nudge the puppies a little to excitedly, which usually knocks them on their sides. His mother Rosie was more then happy to lay in the cool grass with her eyes on him, to make sure nothing happened. It was a lovely little family outing.
Now that the puppies are becoming better on their feet (though far from being steady) they are much more eager to explore. If the gate to their room isn't up they will readily venture into the kitchen, squeaking the whole time, as though to tell the whole house "Look at me!" Their legs my still wobble a little bit, but they will not be deterred from their exploring.
I know this post is short but enjoy the pictures taken by Derek Reinhardt.
Now that the puppies are becoming better on their feet (though far from being steady) they are much more eager to explore. If the gate to their room isn't up they will readily venture into the kitchen, squeaking the whole time, as though to tell the whole house "Look at me!" Their legs my still wobble a little bit, but they will not be deterred from their exploring.
I know this post is short but enjoy the pictures taken by Derek Reinhardt.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Seeing the world for the first time
What do you suppose it's like to see the world for the first time. Over the last few days the puppies eyes have begun to gradually open. Its become clear for awhile that they were trying, because you could see their little eyes moving behind their closed eyelids. As people have held the puppies they let out little shouts of excitement when they see the first glimpse of color poke out from underneath the puppies lids. I can't help but think it must be an overwhelming experience for the little guys. All of a sudden an entirely new sense is available to them. Color is now a thing!
Along with this newly developed sense, the puppies are beginning to explore more. This is particularly adorable to watch since their legs are still developing the strength to walk. They will hoist themselves up as best as they can on all four paws and try to scoot around the room investigating every corner they can get to. Sometimes I will be working at my computer and one will randomly crawl up against my foot and start licking it.
I think its fascinating that even now I can see small differences in the puppies. Some will always cuddle with their siblings when they sleep. Some will always be wandering around. And some are quite content to sleep alone. I like to think that I am beginning to see the individuality of each puppy begin to develop.
Along with this newly developed sense, the puppies are beginning to explore more. This is particularly adorable to watch since their legs are still developing the strength to walk. They will hoist themselves up as best as they can on all four paws and try to scoot around the room investigating every corner they can get to. Sometimes I will be working at my computer and one will randomly crawl up against my foot and start licking it.
I think its fascinating that even now I can see small differences in the puppies. Some will always cuddle with their siblings when they sleep. Some will always be wandering around. And some are quite content to sleep alone. I like to think that I am beginning to see the individuality of each puppy begin to develop.
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