They have all left.

 This morning was very different.  Yes, I did sleep in for a bit but sure did miss all those puppy greetings!

I spent the morning cleaning up the Puppy Room, putting stuff away, washing all the toys, etc. and deciding what I was going to store there until Jonnie's litter arrives in early March.  Somewhat bittersweet.  However, I know every pup went to a loving family and I am sure I will hear how things are going with updates and pics.  :+)

Due to an inclement forecast for today, all the pups were picked up yesterday.  Here are the happy new owners of an ADNE Labradoodle pup!

Good luck to everyone!  Remember a tired pup is a happy pup!  Be consistent with training and don't forget to give each one of these fur babies a kiss from me!!

ELSIE'S PUPS ARE BACK FROM SURGERIES!

And the group is playing instead of resting!

One of my biggest issues is trying to keep them quiet after their spays and neuters.  They recover so quickly that it is mind boggling. Only Piper, done last is resting (smart girl).

In a couple of hours, I will feed them a small meal.  They had a bit of food before I picked them up as my vet wants to be sure they are eating and urinating after the surgery.  Small meals so their digestive system is not overloaded.

REMEMBER, once they go home - no jumping as the incision needs to heal for a week.  So allow the pup to play, walk, etc., but minimize any 'extra' movement.  You don't want to over excite them.  You will notice if they are doing 'too' much as there will be swelling at the site (you will feel a lump), you want to avoid that.  It does not require a vet visit but keep the pup on a lower activity level.

A bath was given to each pup last night to have them nice and clean for my vet and for this weekend.  DO NOT give them a bath for at least 10 days!

There is one squeezed into the left corner and one way in the back on the bed. All are alert and want 'out'.  Tomorrow will be interesting as they will want to run all over the place but 

will be restricted to just the alley and first pen.  Safety first!!

Shoveling with 7 puppies.

Has anyone tried this??  It might have been an entertaining video but I was shoveling and they were chasing me and the shovel!  Some tried to get on the shovel as I was attempting to throw the snow.  Oi, oi, oi.  :+)

They did have a wonderful time going back and forth, back and forth as I tried to avoid all those tiny paws!  It was one way to exercise them!!!  The weather was great and it was enjoyable for all - including me as I had to laugh at the many times they got 'snowed' by my shoveling.  It seemed each empty spot I had targeted, was quickly filled with a dancing, hopping puppy!  :+)  Sorry, I did not have extra hands for picture taking.  

TRIP TO THE EYE VET TODAY WENT SO SMOOTHLY!

These guys are becoming frequent 'flyers'!  

I was delighted that everyone of them have 'perfectly normal' eyes - no dings or imperfections - YEA! Here are a couple of pics.

Packed into my wagon with one of them trying to escape!!

Packed into my Wagon-Mobile ready to go in for their exam.  I was told that all the workers that could, came to the front to hold and cuddle with the bunch.  I am not surprised.  :+)

OH BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!!!! (Week 8 - Elsie x Hobbs). UPDATED WITH ASSIGNMENTS!!!!!!

I have been thankful for a rather temperate winter so far but these past few days....brrrrrrr.  However, these little mini 'mites' could care less!  They are outdoors for many periods during the day and don't even give it a second thought.  As I understand it, we are suppose to be expecting some snow tomorrow and Tuesday and we will see what they think of that.  :+)

The final copy of the last pup's results for the temperament test should be coming soon.  I hope to have everyone placed today BUT .....   it is my 72nd birthday, so please be kind if it is tomorrow.  Yes, I know I was suppose to have these pics posted yesterday but I literally forgot!! Senility???  Oh, no!  

Tomorrow, in the early afternoon, the pups and I will be heading to Portsmouth, NH for their eye exams.  As always, the pups will get a ton of attention by the staff there.  They can hardly wait for my pups to arrive.  Unfortunately, I cannot go in (curbside) but they will definitely enjoy their time there.

Next weekend they will all be in your homes and then the fun starts.  :+)

Sporting a nice, warm and fuzzy hat....here are the little munchkins.

Weighs 6 1/2 lbs. Frolicked all over the testing room!

Placed with the Nadler Family.  Her name is TALIA!

A bundle of friendly energy, Goldie weighs 4 3/4 pounds.

Little Miss 'AVERY' will join the Caron family

Sweet Ruby is now named 'JAVA' and weighs 5 3/4 pounds today. Her ADNE sister

is named Bali, so the Papell family has an island theme going!

Energetic Opal will enjoy an active lifestyle.  Weighs 6 pounds.

Named 'PIPER', this little girl will entertain the Leahy family and all their friends!

Weighing 7 1/2 pounds, Copper is the biggest pup but sweet as can be.

This boy has had several nicknames but is now 'WILSON'

 and he has been assigned to the Becker Family.

Coal (6 lbs.) will embrace a confident, positive person who will enjoy his smarts and independence.

He is now named 'ARCHIE' and will entertain the Bennett family.

Blue Boy is a playful, friendly guy who will enjoy experienced, thoughtful owners. 5 3/4 lbs.

Ed and Maria are going to enjoy their new boy aptly named 'FINNEGAN'.

Aside from getting lost and being late....

 the Temperament Test went well today!  

The pups were excellent in the hour long ride it takes to get there.  It was extra long today because I took a wrong turn.  I can't wait to get the reports - hopefully by Sunday.

I will share a few pics for your enjoyment.  :+) None of the pups are identified.  I just want to give you an idea of the room and some of the stuff in it.  During each segment, the stuff is gathered in a pile (like the first photo) before being set up again for the next pup.  That does two purposes:  Judy, my trainer, is able to watch the reactions of each pup when first put in the room to see how quickly it gets 'comfortable' being in a new space with new smells and strange people; and secondly, if the 'stockpile' of stuff intimidates any of the pups or if they can 'work around' the pile for trainability around odd shapes.

Amazingly, not one pup had a potty accident in the facility - I was so proud.  :+) That never happens!

That crazy pile had no effect on this pup as she happily carried her prize.

Anyone want a 'Water Boarder'?  Apparently, this pup has no fear of wobbly things!

'I will sit for a treat', just watch!

They ALL loved to play 'Tug'.

Willingness to step on odd surfaces test. Treats work great.

The 'Wobble Board' can be very scary for some.  Treat encouragement & patience does wonders.

All the pups jumped on the musical Santa and had no fear of him.

The 'crinkle' toy was a huge hit.  Can be found in the Kitty aisle of most stores.  :+)

Can you say 'relaxed'?

Our next big excursion at at the eye vets in Portsmouth, NH on Monday.

Vaccines today!

 And the week of 'getting ready to go home' begins.

This afternoon, the pups and I went to my vets for their first Distemper and Parvo Virus Vaccines.  Once I put them all in the back cargo space, I heard a few whimpers.  After about 5 minutes, all was quiet.  It takes about 20 minutes to get to my vets but we had to wait in the car a bit before they were carried into the office for their exams.  I was waiting patiently in my vehicle.

I also brought a stool sample to be tested as I never worm or add any meds unless there is a reason too.  Thankfully, all were negative and their immune systems remain unimpeded.  I asked my vet to be particularly careful with their mouth exams because I wanted to be sure that he would agree with me that all the pups have an underbite - and they do.  Nothing to be concerned about as they are minor but it is indicated on their Health Certificates.  If this in ANY way causes anyone concern and you want a refund, 'It is in the mail'! 

The ride home was quiet as can be and not one pup expressed nausea or anxiety.  A good trip overall.

Unfortunately, I forgot my camera.  :+(

Time is moving quickly - THE SEVENTH WEEK of the Elsie x Hobbs litter.

Incredibly, this winter has been rather 'friendly' in the weather department.  Yes, we have had some snow but not the constant storms we sometimes have.  Both the pups and I are thankful because puppies enjoy going outside to run and explore; and I like them to have lots of exercise and fresh air! 

They have had plenty of both so far.  Today it is rather cold and windy, so they have been out for brief moments.  Thankfully, we had two visitations today to keep them busy and happy.

Per my email to all the new pup owners, the next two weeks will be busy ones but if you want a visit, it can be done if you are very flexible with the time and day.  :+)

As far as Pick Up Day goes - I have one curb side on Saturday at 11 am.  On Sunday, I have a curb side (time to be determined) and two pup owners for the 11 am group pick up.  Still waiting for the rest of you to make up your minds and let me know.  

Regarding Assignments:  

• Please note, I will try to be as prompt as possible but MUST wait for my trainer's write ups.  Once received, I will call you with your assignment.  At that time I MUST have a name for your pup - NO EXCUSES - you have had weeks to decide on one for a girl or boy!  :+)
• ALSO, I will need the balance of payment sent to me very quickly because I will only have till Feb. 10th to receive your check for bank clearance.  If not received by that day, I will hold it and you will be required to bring cash at pick up day.  I have to say, our Post Office has NOT been prompt with mail lately with several people out sick.  :+(
• If you are open to ANY pup from this litter, it would be best that you mail out your check to ADNE for the balance now and there will be no surprises.  If you are unhappy with your assignment, your money is 100% refunded.  No issues there at all.
• If you have sent me your preferences, I really try to stay in that choice range but cannot guarantee it. If you have not done so, please do so soon.  Thank you.

On to the pics!  :+)

'Coal' (Black Collar) - 4 3/4 lb. at 7 wks.

'Holly' (Green Collar) - 5 1/2 lb. at 7 wks.

Graduated from 'Meatball to Meatloaf' - Copper Collar is 6 lb. at 7 wks.

Gold Collar is anxious for lunch.  Weighs 4 lbs. at 7 weeks.

Blue Collar is 4 3/4 lb. at 7 Wks.

Opal Collar is 5 solid lbs. at 7 weeks.

Ruby Collar is 4 3/4 lb. at 7 wks.

The pups are doing great and I will post pics of their 'adventures' during the next couple of weeks.  I know you are all anxious to have your fur baby at home, so get prepared!  Check out the Supply List under the Pup Prep Links!  Please read the Contract that you will need to sign on Pick Up Day(s) and those owners who have not sent me decisions on pick up as well as preferences need to do so, please.

OH YUCK! (Week 6 of the Elsie x Hobbs litter)

Yesterday was rather nice and the pups went out to play a couple of times.  Today, picture day, well...it is yucky.  A number of the pups ventured outside and wondered what all the 'drops' were about and came in quickly.  You will notice on the pics who were brave and who thought twice about it.  :+)

We continue to have visitors and all of us enjoy them.  The pups are now beginning to get a bit 'rowdy', pulling on laces, chomping on fingers and furry tails - not differentiating from the two.  All is fair game at this age!!

I had thought about a rain theme but decided on a 'brighter' one instead.  Lunchtime is around the corner so used some 'bibs' to indicate who is who.  Would have been great if I could have had them at a table, but need helping hands to pull that one off.  :+)

I hope these pics make your dreary day a tad sunnier in spirit!

Mr. Coal.  Did a quick peek of the weather outdoors and opted to cuddle inside. Just a smidgen 

under 3 3/4 lbs.

Miss Holly is quite a photogenic girl.  So happy she did not go outdoors before this pic.  :+) 4 lbs.

Miss Opal is focused and ready for the lunch call!  3 3/4 lbs.

Mr. Starry, starry night...I would want to be a sleepy head today as well.  4 lbs.

Yes, I agree Mr. Copper.  I would give 'raspberries' to the weatherman, too.  5 lbs.

Miss Ruby is an 'all weather' sort of girl.  3 1/2 lbs.

Miss Goldie is a little sprite that loves adventure and cuddles.  3 1/4 lbs.

New experiences!

This is a week of new exploits.

First, the pups have enjoyed their foray into the outdoors!  They have conquered going down the pup ramp as the first hurdle.  Then they explored the pup yard with their mom, Elsie.  Lastly, they met some of the house girls as well!  Lots of 'firsts'!

Elsie and her pups were having such a blast outdoors today.

The pups are enjoying climbing over the stack of playground equipment. I 'pack them up' for the winter. 

Maneuvering the ramp was 'easy'.

Daisy's look is 'I AM NOT THE MILKBAR'!

All the different surfaces provide great traction and new tactile experiences.

'Let's play tag'!

Hey, where is everyone going?

 NAP TIME!

ELSIE went back to her guardians later this morning and boy was she happy to see her mommy!  I had groomed and bathed her yesterday for the big event.  I was so happy she had such a good time playing with her puppies before she left.  Good memories for all.

The FIFTH WEEK is when things get interesting.

Now, they are puppies!  They run, they fight, they munch on toys, fingers, shoes and anything else they deem worthy.  They are enjoying all the attention they get when visitors come.

This is a very social group! I am not surprised given the match up.  :+) I expect Elsie will not be here for too much longer.  Thankfully, all pup buyers have had the opportunity to meet her before she is fully weaned.  I expect Elsie will be back home by the end of the upcoming week.

The pups are eating up a storm and are looking forward to some outside time when temps allow.  They are very curious about the dogie door.  :+)

For this week's picture segment, I have placed the pups in a tiny 'doll' chair amongst our oldest son's handmade 'one of a kind' snowmen.  I am blessed each Christmas with a new handmade addition.  :+)

A visitor has decided that this boy should be called 'Meatball'. Wonder why?

Goldie seems to be a showoff.  Look at that 'attitude'!

Like many boys, Coal is sweet and tender.

Holly is a chunky girl.  Maybe her nickname will be 'Cannonball'!! :+)

Although one of the small ones, Opal has curiosity and pizzazz! 

Blue boy is a good mix of 'sweet and salty'.  :+)

Ruby likes to talk to you.  She tells you when she wants out of the pen, food and attention.