Lack of Posts

Sorry for the long delay in posts.  My internet has been down since Friday, so I've been unable to check mails or get on her to update you all.  I will write more a bit later, with fresh photos.  In the meantime, everyone is doing really well.  They are getting so big, and boy do they love to play now.  I plan to get some fresh photos to share later tonight, and more detailed updates too.  Thanks for your patience.

Big Gains Today

The puppies have finally decided that solids are really worth eating.  I was amazed at how much everyone gained overnight.  Instead of the usual 2-6 oz gain everyone gained 5-10 oz!  Pretty much double their usual.  I expect that Renee will be relieved that they are now gaining so much more nutrition from the solids as she is having a tough time keeping up with the milk production.

Renee's getting tired of the routine, but still a great mom.

The puppies are playing so much more now.  Still not gotten a good video of them in action, but I will keep trying.  When outside they are far more active, exploring and checking everything out.  The still sleep lots, but the active periods are getting longer all the time.  Here are a few more photos from yesterday for you to enjoy.

I'm coming, I'm coming.

There's got to be something interesting over here.

What's that smell?

So been there already...  I'm going this way instead.

Yay! Person to play with!

I'm sitting this one out, guys.

All tuckered out.

Zzzzzz Zzzzzz Zzzzzz

Still alert, but oh so sleepy.

Brief Update

Not much to really say, but I figured I ought to check in.  The puppies are all doing great.  They are nearly all over 5 lb and a couple are very close to 6 lb now.  They are playing more often with each other, but tend to forget what they are up to mid tussle.  It's quite funny.  No recent howl-a-thons, but they are certainly vocalizing a lot more with little play growls and puppy yips when they get "lost" in their explorations.  I try to get everyone outside for a couple hours each day when the shade is right and it's not too hot.  They tend to explore more and sleep less and less each day.  I hope to get some fresh photos and such tomorrow if all goes well.

Four Weeks Old Today

Not sure whether to say that time flies or that these guys seem to have been forever, but whichever way you see it, the puppies are finally 4 weeks old.  Developmentally they are about 3 weeks old.

This afternoon everyone got to go out and enjoy the warm weather.  Now that they are getting bigger they are much more active, playing and exploring as they enjoy their fresh air.

Renee was a funny girl.  After making sure everyone was full, she decided to show off what a dignified girl she is...

I managed to get a few shots of everyone as they explored today.  Here are some portraits of the troops.

An finally a bit of video of everyone.

Brief Update

Just a short update for today.  The puppies are all doing well, several getting close to 5 lb already.  They are awake more often and even try to play with each other sometimes.  It's too cute watching them try to pounce on each other, but instead falling over as they are not quite balanced enough.  They also have started to have mini howl-a-thons, often in a chorus of 3-4 puppies, enjoying the sounds of their own voices.  While we are offering solids, most of the puppies just take a taste or two before changing their minds and waiting on Renee to return.  Considering that they are only 3.5 weeks - developmentally 2.5 weeks, this isn't surprising.  Most puppies don't start eating solids until 3 weeks - which for this litter will be more like 4 weeks.  It will come.  Size-wise they are well on track for their developmental ages, with steady gains at a rate comparable to previous litters.  This is one strong and healthy batch of puppies overall.  That's it for now.  I will try to get some video of them playing or having a howl-a-thon when I can - I just need to make sure the camera happens to be handy...

Solids

The puppies are so hungry and demanding that poor Renee is getting tired of their antics, so we decided to start teaching them about solids today.  This afternoon, after Renee had been away from the puppies for a while, I offered some messy puppy sludge for them to try.  It went remarkably well.  The puppies didn't eat a ton, but they all gave it a try and seemed to enjoy it well enough.  Once they were done I took them inside again and had Renee settle so they could all have a nice drink.

From now on we will be offering the puppies a bit of food at least 3 times a day.  When they start eating more seriously we will develop a more regulated feeding schedule, but for now it's going to be a take it or leave it offering.  I don't think it will be long before they are running for the food bowls when they arrive.

Here are some photos of the puppies meeting solid food for the first time.

More Outdoors Fun

The puppies are growing by leaps and bounds.  Now that they are more mobile and can see a bit, they have decided that it's time to start separating bathroom areas from sleeping areas.  Several of the puppies now go down to the section of the whelping pen that is set up with newspapers to go do their business, then crawl their way back up the 6" cliff to their sleeping quarters.  It's quite amusing as sometimes they get a bit lost and forget where they are supposed to go, and need a little bit of help to figure out where all their siblings are.

Momma's Boy.

It won't be long before we need to start offering solid food to the puppies.  Normally we would have started at 3 weeks old, but because of their slow start these guys are not quite ready yet.  But it will be soon, possibly even tomorrow!

Sleeping Black Beauty.

Everyone keeps gaining lots of weight and most are about 4 lb now.  When compared to Renee's first litter by matching due dates they are exactly on target both in weights and in growth rate.

Since today was another lovely day the puppies got to spend a few hours outside in the shade.  Renee quite enjoys the break and the fresh air is really good for everyone.  I managed to get several really nice videos today for your enjoyment, in addition to lots of pretty photos of course.

Watching over her babies.

One nice thing about the sun is that it's easier to define the puppies' colours.  So, while nearly all are still brindles (of course) I can somewhat define the colouring with the brindle.  Black is a red brindle, with a clear reddish tone to his non-black regions.  Orange is a grey brindle, with very flat grey colouring between stripes.  Red, Green, and Brown are a bit harder to say as they have a lot less colour to them.  They will be quite dark without much (if any) visible brindling once they are grown.  Purple is interesting in that in the darker light we couldn't see any brindling, but outside there is the slightest sprinkling of brindle markings.  Otherwise she is quite black.

Red enjoying a siesta in the grass.

Of course there is no bad colour for a Wolfhound Puppy :)  They are all equally adorable!

Happy boys.

So, enjoy the rest of the photos and videos!

Renee enjoying her little rock garden den.

On her way to feed her babies.

First come - first serve!

Hey, don't forget about us!

Made it.

Satisfaction is a full tummy - now let me in there.

Oh so good.  Time for a nap.

*Yawn*

I can't get comfy.

That's better.

These puppies tire me out.

Some Fresh Air

Since it is absolutely GORGEOUS outside today I decided to take the puppies out for some fresh air.  Everyone pretty much slept through the experience, but the fresh air was good for them.  No video as sleeping puppies are not that exciting, but lots of lovely photos.

Everyone having their first experience with grass.

Snuggling puppies - there's comfort in a pile.

Way too cute!

It's Puppy Love.

Already a lap-full for a 4-yr-old.

Comfort.

Renee patrolling the yard to make sure it is safe.

Loving Momma.

Picnic lunch.

Full tummies.

Puppy Faces

Yes, you've been waiting for it, and here it is.  The eyes open (mostly) gallery of puppy head shots.  It was a challenge to get good photos since no-one wanted to stay still for long.  But I tried my best.  Enjoy!

Black

Blue

Brown

Green

Orange

Purple

Red