Measuring Puppy Weight Gain

We measure the puppys weight frequently to confirm they are growing. We use our food scale. It's not precise, but it's a trend we're after, not the exact weight. There is a link to a weight chart over on the right hand upper side of this page. With previous litters, puppy weight gain has been exponential for about the first two weeks after an initial lag (plotting weight vs time on a semi-log scale yields a straight line). When we get more data points, we'll plot the growth on a semi-log scale. The puppies wiggle a lot when we weigh them, so it's difficult to get a good weight anyway. So far, they are growing nicely.

They nap after eating. Their eyes and ears are still sealed shut. Eyes will open about day 10 post-whelp. They find mom's teats by smell alone.

Tails Are Docked

The pups visited Tom today to have their tails docked and dew claws removed. All is well with them. Martha is a very good mom. She lays with the pups all day, and hestiates to leave them when it is time to exercise. We have to virtually drag her outside. And then, she rushes back in. The whole family is helping handle the puppies, and Martha allows us to get our puppy management chores done.

Geisha 4/30/2008

For you camera buffs

Nikon D80, P mode (ISO10o, 1/60, f4) SB800 in AA mode, Ray Flash ring flash, 60mm/f2.8 micro lens. I shot raw, and then did a bit of post in Capture NX (sharpening, LC'd it to bring in the blacks and whites, and warmed it and saturated it a bit more with Nik Efex add-in)

Our Son Returns From Iraq

Our son returned with his Iowa NG Cavalry unit today, after being deployed for about a year. He and Emily will probably be home for one of the puppies. The Homecoming was at Camp Dodge. It was a beautiful day, breezy, cool, and dry, but the sun was warm. Lots of good friends, family, and supporters were in attendance.

A Calm Morning

Martha and the pups are doing well.

Martha is a devoted mom. She has a favorite bear (with a heartbeat) that was given to her when she was a pup. Martha has made a wonderful nest for this stuffed creature! Martha was quite upset about the loss of the pups, but then seemed relieved that she no longer has to care for Daphne. Shortly after the pups were born, Martha took Daphne off to the side and lovingly sat with her--no one was allowed to share the moment. Later, she tried to bury Daphne in the blankets. Martha obviously checked the pups and realized early on that this little one wasn't going to make it. Of course, humans try extraordinary procedures. Martha kept looking at me with wonder, "Why focus all your attention on her when these five are so lovely?"

Four pups are silver; one may be blue.

CLICK FOR PUPPY SOUNDS

Martha was from a litter that was hand-raised. One week after whelp, her mom, Ripley, had a series of ugly seizures, presumably from post-partum metritis. The delivery was by C-section. Because phenobarbital was the only way to control the seizures, we had to hand feed the puppies, and keep Ripley away from her litter. The heartbeat bear was her way of thinking mom was near.

Grandma Ripley after her first litter (left). And Great-Grandma Hope in her Front and Finish Open Honorable Mention photo (right).

What's In A Name ?

1. Piper girl
   
2. Avery boy
   
3. Tate boy
   
4. Daphne girl (deceased, about 12 hr)
   
5. Ivy girl (deceased at birth)
   
6. Kayla girl
   
7. Geisha girl

Daphne Has Gone To The Bridge

At 3:00 PM today Daphne passed on. Gretl went to get her and we will bury her and Ivy together in our pet cemetary at the back of our property, near the lake. They'll have a nice view of the property from back ther, and will be able to watch the pack romp in the yard. Over our seven litters, we've not lost many in the early puppy stage.

I've got that hollow feeling inside. I was going to keep her in the family because I love the runts.