Fun & Games

The pups are 5 weeks old, very interactive, and totally adorable. Pups currently weigh 6 lbs 2 oz (Aarushi and Dhruv) to 7 lbs 6 oz (Ajay). That means that together, they weigh nearly as much as Hermione. They are starting to have playtime outside the puppy pen, and are loving it. I brought out lots of new toys, including a small play tunnel. The pups have been busy entertaining visitors this weekend, and demonstrated out social and clever they are. Busy girl Aarushi plucked keys out of someone's pocket and tried to run off with them - trying out some assistance dog skills already. The puppy pen is going to need to get closed up tonight since Rani has demonstrated that she is now able to scale the higher step-over gate. With the past litter, it was the mobile milk bar that motivated the pups to try to jump out. With this litter, it is human attention that is the most rewarding temptation. This afternoon, new visitors came over, and Rani easily popped over the gate to say "hi". I have started the process of weaning the pups. Hermione is naturally spending less time with the pups, and the pups are eating and drinking well on their own. Poor Hermione is getting her rations gradually reduced, and she will no longer have access to the puppy pen at night (not sure that she has been going in much anyway). This weekend, the pups received their first vaccination (intranasal Bordetella/kennel cough). Hopefully next week will be warm enough for their first trip outside.