Sunday, December 27, 2020

WEEK THREE

SORRY FOR THE DELAY!  Still have family here and I was having some computer issues with the upgrades-thanks to my son for the help!  How I wish things could just stay the same!  

Anyway, all seems to be working at the moment, so I will get these darling pups up!  First though, a few comments.  The pups see well now and react to movement, sound and smell.  We are now taking weights weekly rather than daily and they have had their first nail trim.  From this time forward, they will become more animated, play with each other as well as toys in their area and be a bit more curious. 

Next Sunday and going forward, I will allow visitors - only two a day and only for a half hour.  They are still very young and fragile and new people, sounds and smells will concern them - so expect some pups to be 'not interested' in you.  Don't take offense, it will be their first experience with people other than myself.  :+)

Here are the pups:








As expected, they are growing well, eating great learning about touch and soft pats along with the intro to some small chew toys.

We have survived the crux of the holidays, still a couple of sons visiting and helping out.  It is nice to have the extra hands.  :+) I hope all of you are well.


Wednesday, December 23, 2020

An experiment.

 As breeders, we are often looking for ways to improve.  An article by a fellow breeder talked about materials to use for very young puppies to minimize those little feet from slipping so much as they nurse or try to move.  We use pee pads, vet bed, rugs, blankets - all types of 'bedding' for their comfort as well as trying to prevent slipping. While shopping one day, I thought that maybe a product called 'no slip snow mats' might be worth a try.  At first, I thought they would be too rough on their skin, but the 'co co' fibers are not prickly like those fiber shoe brushes because they are woven.  They just provide a dry, porous surface.

Here is the result of my experiment.  It will take me a few days to see how the fiber mat works out but I immediately saw that their traction was greatly improved!  It is porous, so I do have a pee pad under the mat, but so far - so good! I imagine a shower every now and again will keep the mat clean and allowing it to dry naturally will prevent it from crumbling.  That is the next experiment - what kind of life span does it have?  Always looking for way to keep pups happy and healthy.  :+)






Monday, December 21, 2020

It was bound to happen.

 Unfortunately, I will not be breeding Jonnie as expected.  Both her guardians have COVID and their children are now being checked for the infection.  They are tired but doing well overall.  It was my decision to skip this heat cycle and wait several months in hopes all will recover and they will no longer be in a contagious state.

I know many will be disappointed but there is no need to take unnecessary risks.

Because I must skip this pairing, I did want to offer this link:  http://davisdoodles.com/index.html  This breeder is in Georgia and will have puppies available before June for those that might want to contact them right away to get on her list.  This might be just the perfect solution for some of you.  Please, I have no way of knowing when my next girl may cycle, so if I were you, I would take advantage of this breeder's availability.  :+)

Saturday, December 19, 2020

TWO WEEKS - A MILESTONE!

 At two weeks of age, the pups can finally regulate their temperature.  They can move away or towards warmth as their body signals.  It is the very beginning of them moving from a neonate to a puppy.  Also, at this time, their eyes and ears begin to open.  Neither one is working at a 100% but each will improve as the days go by.

Being in the pup room is going super well.  I have more space, a better view, all my 'tools' are there and my feet have more space under my desk in the office!  :+)

Today's photo session is a signal to you that these babies will be on their way to you very soon.  I know it seems like you have a long time to wait, but between the holidays, it is going to creep up on you faster than you think!  Plan ahead!

Ruby is the only pup that has some white markings.

Eyes are open and soon they will see their surroundings much better.

Both Coal and Blue boys look very similar!

Goldie is a hefty female.

But Copper Boy is the heavyweight of this litter. What a big head!

Seems Opal likes this 'mailbox' :+)


Holly is the heaviest female at this time.


Thursday, December 17, 2020

Pups were moved!

 For many days, I have been consumed with getting Christmas preparations finished.  With family coming for the holidays, there was much to be done!

In the afternoon, I decided this snowstorm we were having today was not going to give up soon and snow clean up would not be done today but tomorrow.  This prompted me to prepare the pup room for the pups - a bit earlier than I normally do it, but an opportunity presented itself and I jumped on it.  :+)   

They settled in very quickly without any complaints.  Even though the room has a radiant floor for warmth, I still kept the heat pad in the pup pool on low for comfort.  Now, they will not only enjoy the Vitamin D from the winter sun but will have a brighter room to view as their eyes slowly open and adjust to the light.  Tomorrow, I will attach some baby toys to the enclosure to add some color and to entice them to explore as they grow.

Elsie is providing plenty of milk for her babies and they are plump and happy.




All settled.

Elsie gave me her approval for the move.  :+)






Saturday, December 12, 2020

ELSIE'S LITTER will be a full week of age tonight!

 Elsie is a very attentive mommy and her seven pups are wiggly, healthy and nursing up a storm.  Although a solid 25 lbs, I find it amazing that she gobbles up a minimum of a pound and a half of food per day plus treats!  I thank God, I don't have a pick eater!!!  Hooray!

Each day, I weigh the pups and they are gaining nicely.  They are still way too young to have much of a personality yet but soon we will see that emerge.

Eyes and ears will not open until they are around 10 to 14 days old, so they are little 'moles' right now. (Much cuter, of course!)

Since it IS Christmas season, I made an attempt to have a somewhat holiday theme with their identification collars.  :+)


I hope this boy will have the perfect 'coal' nose at maturity.


An Opal's fire is always beautiful.


This Gold nugget would look lovely under a tree.


Who does not love the color of Holly?


Ruby's are always a welcome gift, don't you agree?


A 'Starry, Starry night sky' prompted Blue Boy's ID.


The glow and shine of Copper warm's everyone's heart.

Please note that new pics will be posted every Saturday.  As the pups get older and more animated, I sometimes will try to grab a pic mid week when possible.  Till next time, enjoy this wonderful season and keep admiring these 'gems'.  Ho, Ho, Ho! 

Sunday, December 6, 2020

The Elsie x Hobbs litter has arrived!

A couple days earlier than expected but all seven appear healthy and thriving.  Appears my vet over counted the number, he thought 8 but that is easy to do when you see a plate of 'spaghetti' on x-rays!  Those spines are intertwined like you cannot believe.  +). I, for one, am very happy and thankful for these lovely pups and I am sure Elsie is happy to feed one less.

Yesterday, Elsie was quite restless, just could not settle.  When on the couch with me, she just kept looking at me and pawing my lap.  When it was time to go to bed, all seemed normal.  The lights were out, I was snugging in bed but could not sleep.  I HAD to check on Elsie one more time.  Glad I did.  I could not find her in her normal spot, so went to check the whelping pool in my office - yup, there she was and she just had her first pup!  Needless to say, my 'spider sense' was spot on!  :+) 

Here is how the rest of the night went:

  1. Female arrived at 11:31 pm, weighed 8 5/8 ounces.
  2. Female number two arrived at 11:55 pm, weighed 9 1/4 ounces.
  3. Female number three arrived at 12:12 am and weighed 81/4 ounces.
  4. First male arrived at 12:33 am and weighed 8 1/4 ounces.
  5. Number five pup was also a male and arrived at 12:55 am weighing 8 1/4 ounces.
  6. Another Female arrived at 1:30 am and weighed 9 5/8 ounces.
  7. Lastly, the third male came at 1:57 am and also weighed 9 5/8 ounces.
They are all nursing well and Elsie is so happy to have an 'unlimited' food supply.  She gobbles everything in sight and looks soooo satisfied.  With her belly so full with babies, she could only eat small portions at a time several times a day.  She is delighted to eat her full now.

I will be contacting the people on her list soon to see if there are any changes.

Welcome to ADNE little ones!

Ms. Elsie is quite proud of her lovely litter of apricot beauties. 


Thursday, December 3, 2020

Elsie has arrived here at ADNE! (ALL PUPS ARE SOLD)

 We had our x-ray taken this afternoon and it shows about 8 puppies!  Elsie looks like 'the great pumpkin' at this time.  :+). ALL PUPS ARE SOLD!!!!!

She is staying very close to me as she is a bit unsure of the 'home girls' but is doing well.  They are done with their 'intro' sniffing and are now relaxing.  I expect Elsie will be snuggled next to me on the couch tonight as we watch tv.  

Elsie was so good to lie down in front of our tree and 'smile'.

'Please', no more photos!

This is Elsie's second litter and she has a bellyful.  Her whelping date is 'around' December 8th, but any woman will tell you 'that is just a number' - Mother Nature determines the delivery date!  Stay tuned.