Our first time outside!

Early this morning, I went outside to spray bleach on both the stone play areas in the play-yard. I was hoping that the weather would stay good so that once the bleach mixture killed any germs, etc., I would then bring the pups out to experience being outdoors for the first time.

Thankfully, the weather held and later in the afternoon, I brought all the pups outdoors and boy did they love it!

Chaplin is on the other side of the fence and many of them rushed to greet him.


Here Orange and Teal girls examine the plastic horse. I actually have a cute cover for it, but left it off for outside.


There was much to discover...from the horse, to the Sit and Spin as well as the ramp.


Then there were the sticks and the leaves as Chaplin joined them for a bit of wrestling and socialization.


Blue Boy has the upper hand here over all the black doodles, including Chap!


Here is Black and Orange investigating the ramp.


Then Stripe and Orange checking out the Sit and Spin.


Stripe enticing Chap.


I have to say, Blue Boy is one smart cookie. Do you see how he KNOWS how to work the Sit and Spin??? All in all, a great first day outdoors. :+)

Now we are beginning to look like Doodles! (5 weeks)

Maple's group is finally becoming more 'doodle-like'. They are growing muzzle hair, coats are thickening up with waves and sniffing around the puppy room is a somewhat less 'intimidating' experience. Yes, new things such as noises, vacuums, sirens, etc. will see some of them hunker down, but only for a moment. All these 'introductions' are important for them to live through now.

Today, for instance, I brought them to the front of my house to take pics in one of my planters. The front is street side and there is a lot of traffic that goes by. Each of them cringed a little as a truck came whizzing, but none of them screamed or showed excessive anxiety - that is good! As they grow, so does their world and all it involves. Just always remember that when you take your pup home, do not isolate them - expose them to your neighborhood, traffic noises, malls and the like everyday or they will become so comfortable in your environment only, that they will be fearful in any other place. I cannot stress that enough. Just stay away from dog parks until they are fully vaccinated. Actually, I do not recommend dog parks until they are mature and can 'run with the crew' that frequents the park. Absolutely have them meet other suitable dogs - one on one so that they have the opportunity to schmooze with their kind, however. Puppy and Obedience classes are such places that benefit pups at this time. Going to pet stores is good, visiting family - I think you get the picture. :+)

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I put a green scarf on Green Boy so his face can be seen better. He has a silky, wavy coat that is coming in beautifully. (4 & 1/2 lbs.)



Stripe Boy has a lush, soft coat. His nose continues to fill in with black pigment. Some pups take longer than others. (6 & 1/4 lbs.)



Pink Girl, like all the blacks, has that silky/satiny feel to her wavy coat. Don't you just love the pink bow? Although crooked, it still accents her face beautifully. (4 & 1/2 lbs.)



Teal Girl had her eyes on the ground - she might have been thinking 'what a BIG play-yard'! Isn't the 'cowlick' on her head a riot? So funny that dogs and people get them. (5 & 1/2 lbs.)



Black Boy is sprouting his cowlicks as well! The black areas on his coat are like his black litter mates, but his white patches favor the texture of Stripe Boy. This can be quite common on partis. (5 lbs.).



Blue Boy's coat is cottony soft and dense too. You will never have to put a sweater on him in the winter! (6 & 1/4 lbs.)



I just love Red Boy in this scarf! His coat is a tiny bit curlier than his sisters and brothers but silky soft. His muzzle will be quite straight however. It is my favorite combination of what coats can do. I am still very surprised that none of these pups are showing the tight curls of Maple yet. This boy weighs 4 & 1/2 lbs. just like his other black litter mates.



Orange Girl has the same thing with regard to coat as Black Boy. The apricot is silky but the white is more cottony. Both are soft and lovely to touch and cuddle with. (4 & 3/4 lbs.)

Needed! A local guardian home for my little stud muffin!

Let me tell you that little Chaplin is SUCH a dear! What a sweet personality and gentle manner. Chap loves to be with people and he loves to be patted.

Chaplin is your typical little dog with a big personality. He enjoys being with people, whether it be for a walk, watching you cook or taking a drive - he is a 'companion' through and through.

I continue to work with him on being left in a space that he can see you but not be in the same room with you. He gets vocal when you do this to him. I wait until he stops vocalizing and then allow him to come in and join me. I have to admit, that he does 'grumble' about the indignity of being physically separated and I can't help but smile.

Chaplin is a quick learner. Since I prefer that dogs not 'jump' on people, I am constantly working with him to not jump up. The rule here is that he receive no touches UNLESS he is sitting. Unfortunately for me, people cannot resist that adorable face and always say 'oh, I don't mind.'

He is a breeze to brush and his lovely soft, totally non-shedding coat is gorgeous. He is not a huge kisser, but does give kisses. Chap is great in the car.

This little guy likes other dogs as long as they don't physically abuse his small, but nicely built stature. He would do best in a home that has a stay at home parent; older kids that like to play nice or an older/younger couple who want a loving companion. He may be too much dog for very young, sensitive children that he can knock down. He would love another dog that is on the small side to befriend and snuggle with.

Any one interested should email or call me. A local inquiry would get priority as his 'future bride' lives in Dover, NH.

Because we are growing, our room needed to be rearranged.

I noticed today that the pups were 'rubbing shoulders' when trying to potty, so a new arrangement had to be done for better accommodations. Adding more area is a pretty constant occurrance when raising puppies. Just like children, providing a stimulating environment is very important.


This pic shows an overall view of the new area. I switched sides in the room and they are now closer to the outer door. My grooming area has been moved back to its original spot. :+) Blue Boy seems to be enjoying the 'wider' view as well as the expanded potty area.














I also put in a decent size crate for them to check out. It appears that several of the puppies took to it right away!














The second group decided to snooze next to their new slide and step/climber. Mr. Monster watches over them from the corner. I think they like their new quarters. We will see how long it will be before I need to make another change. :+)

Happy Easter to our 4 week olds and to all of you!

I know that our puppy customers are getting very antsy to visit and hold the pups! I am getting emails and calls often. Let us all enjoy the Easter Weekend and then I am sure visits will begin in earnest. :+)

A big project that we will begin very soon is to put in artifical grass in the puppy playground area. I am expecting the roll in a few days and preparations will begin right after. We are doing the installation ourselves. We will do our best to get this done during the weekdays, but may need a day on a weekend depending on helper availability. Please be patient as we strive to keep improving on the quality of care our dogs and puppies receive. Thanks!

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Miss Maple Sugar is a bit confused about her 'new ears', but is being a good sport.














Blue Boy - 5 lbs.














Green Boy - 3 & 3/4 lbs.

















Orange Girl - 4 lbs.














Pink Girl - 4 lbs.














Stripe Boy - 5 lbs.














Red Boy - 3 & 3/4 lbs.














Teal Girl - 4 & 1/2 lbs.


















Black Boy - 4 lbs.

We are growing up soooo fast!

These pups are doing so, so well. :+) Look at how much they have grown! Mommy now just stands for them to nurse.

















Once finished, a quick trip to the potty box is in order. :+)

















Then they walk around and greet and wrestle a bit with each other.

















In this pic - Stripe, Black and Blue Boys are attempting to stay awake to play.
















But, the group as a whole is looking for a comfy spot to take another nap.

A lot happened during Week 3 of Maple and Rumple's litter.

It always amazes me how rapidly puppies develop. No matter how many litters I have, this 'evolution' continues to dazzle me. :+)

In just one week, these pups have gone from barely lifting themselves up to now walking (albeit, not too sturdily) to a litter box and even lifting a leg over the short barrier to potty. No, they are not potty trained yet, but their attempt to do this is admirable.

I have had to switch over their area three times this week to accommodate their growth and learning curve. Even Maple stands or sits to nurse them and they stretch to find a nipple they can reach. Nourishment is also being supplemented through the combination of cooked, finely pulverized oatmeal, Gerber's baby meat and Goat's Milk. They have gone from 'not interested' to somewhat interested, to chow hounds in a matter of four days. :+)

Here are the three week old scholars.

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Stripe Boy is 3 1/4 lbs.
















Green Boy weighs 2 1/2 lbs.
















Orange Girl is at 2 1/2 lbs.
















Red Boy is the smallest boy at this time weighing 2 1/4 lbs.
















Teal Girl is the heaviest girl at 3 lbs.
















Black Parti is 2 1/2 lbs.
















Blue Boy ties with Stripe at 3 1/4 lbs.
















Pink Girl is the tiniest girl at 2 1/4 lbs.

Figgy Puddin` shows her stuff! FIGGY HAS A GUARDIAN HOME!

Figgy Puddin` is just around 13 weeks now and has continued to become even more beautiful. She has a mellow temperament but loves to play chase, tug and romp with other dogs. When in the house she is quiet, calm and settles into a comfy spot without much direction at all. Figgy DOES love to chew the corner of my throw rug in front of our door. (It IS the dogs' rug, but I have not told them that.) She has not chewed anything else but that rug - no chair rungs, shoes, cabinet corners, etc. Would she? I don't know. Perhaps if left to her own devices instead of being in a 'safe area', she may. If toys and personal belongings are left about, sure - anything on the floor is fair game to a pup!

To meet Figgy is to fall in love with her face. She is an Ewok! Her hair falls in soft waves around her stunning hazel eyes.




















Figgy is a lady. Her calmness shows through in this pic. She is not an 'antsy' puppy. When asked to sit, she does so without any fanfare and waits for her expected treat or praise.













But there is energy too! Look at her intense stare as she stalks her target!














and then the chase is on!


















Figgy's coat is a quality fleece. It does not get better than this. It drapes like silk and feels like an Angora goat. It will eventually turn to a gorgeous lavender with chocolate highlights.

Figgy loves to play and run but she has a more 'peaceful' aura. I would even call her a bit shy at times. Fig definitely needs to be exposed to more environmental stimulation and would enjoy being a member of a family that will take her with them on errands, playgrounds, vacations and meet lots of people.