VIDEO - Puppies 2 weeks

Puppies have all opened their eyes. I don't believe they see much yet since their stares are a bit blank. They're starting to wobble around now. When Lucy comes in for a feeding it's a full on frenzy.

Sous-Chef Lucy -Week 3

My husband is a FANTASTIC cook who can stand his ground against Emeril, Rachael & Bobby in any throw-down. Lucy has become very aware of his culinary skills & makes it a point to take careful notes when he is in the kitchen. Apparently she prefers his cuisine to mine. We've found Lucy will befriend anyone with goodies. The more savory the treat the faster her tail spins. (yes, her tail spins!!) ...great photo of Lucy's Mickey Mouse spots.

Annie's Blankets

Vivian Kennedy of ACGSR rescue of Hollister recently introduced me to Annie's Blanket Service service. I'm currently fostering Jasmine for  Viv. She was kind enough to share some of her water-proof bed pads & ambulance blankets with me. They've come in handy with Jasmine but especially with Lucy's puppies. Keeping the whelping bed clean is an around the clock laundry task. The absorbent pads work terrifically & ease my worry over increasing my carbon footprint, eliminating the need for disposable piddle pads. Visit: Annie's Blanket's web site to check out this innovative "Green" service.

 I'd personally  like to commend them on providing such a simple, useful & convenient service.

Annie's Blankets
P.O.Box 756 Aromas, CA 95004
(831)442-8098
http://www.anniesblankets.org/
info@anniesblankets.org

Team Jasmine & Lucy

As an experiment I decided to test Jasmine & Lucy in the yard alone. They did GREAT.  Jasmine is obviously a "team player" & Lucy the captain.

When Jasmine is left alone in the yard she paces form one patio door to the other, tries each gate then stars her squeaks. If the door blinds are open she sits & stares at us in the kitchen. Once we're out of sight she starts her search. For this reason I crate her or close her in one room when I leave the house. Lucy on the other hand likes to be around us but is content to soak up the sun or cool off in the shade solo. When Lucy's tummy timer goes off (often) she makes it known with her tail thumps (never barks). While I'm reading in the yard she comes over for attention. Once she gets her fill she stretches out near by for a snooz.

Now that Lucy is taking longer breaks form the puppies she wants to spend more time on the patio in the sunshine. I put Jasmine out with her yesterday afternoon & keep an eye on them through a window in case I had to intervene. Intervention was not necessary. They sat & stared into the door for a while then chilled out together. Alone Jasmine has not had this reaction. From this, I gather she likes company, human or canine. Lucy is very much the tone setter. Jasmine follows her around begging for play. Lucy rolls her eyes & tolerates her. The story changes around the puppies - good Mama!

Bruce, Nemo & Pearl

Jasmine the Therapy dog

While Jasmine isn't an official Therapy dog, we've been utilizing her therapeutic qualities. Our Shih Tzu, Missy is very skittish. It's obvious she's had physiological damage in the past. Missy LOVES people but is frightened by everything else (including her own shadow) Jasmine has a very soft, polite personality, yet is inquisitive & puppy-playful. She desperately wants Missy & Lucy to play with her but unfortunately Lucy is well past puppyhood & Missy battles her own demons. To acclimate Missy to having another dog around we've been feeding her next to Jasmine. Jasmine finishes her dish, then sits & waits for Missy to eat her fill. Once Missy walks off, Jasmine polishes off her leftover morsels - so polite! Jasmine & Missy have been rooming together at night. Jasmine is happy to be out of her crate & Missy is getting used to a roommate. If ever there was a dog to show Missy "Other dogs aren't a threat & can be fun", it's Jasmine! We're grateful for the assistance Jasmine has provided in building Missy's confidence & trust.

Our hope is for Jasmine to have a playmate who could enjoy & appreciate her antics. At 14 months old she has the maturity of an adult dog, but a vibrant puppy spirit. She is respectful of Lucy's boundaries yet can't help but try to engage her. A few times she's taken Lucy's ear in her mouth & "walked" her around the yard. --DARLING. Lucy has all the patience in the world for her  in the yard, but that patience stops abruptly at the office door (where the whelping pool is). Jasmine is aware of the invisible boundaries & keeps a safe distance only poking her nose in on occasion.

Lucy -Week 2

Just two weeks ago Lucy became a member of our pack. In such a short time she's brought so much to our world, including 8 squeaky little puppies! She went form a sweet lovable lug to protective Mama Bear & now has thankfully come around to being my buddy. It's taken some bribery but we're pals. She allows me to handle her puppies without out a growl. She still keep a close eye on me but has figured out I'm on her side ( after all I'm her maid, cook, belly rubber, gate keeper, & poop patroler) In the past 2 days she has been taking longer breaks from her li'l suckers to solicit attention for herself or curl up for some peace & quiet. She is eating for 9 & her appetite reflects it! I've been feeding her a combination of puppy food, yogurt, can food & honey. Yes, it looks as nasty as it sounds but she can't get enough of it.

VIDEO- Puppies 6 days

Pearl, Peach & Dory - 6 days old

Nemo, Nigel, Squirt, Crush & Bruce - 6 days old