With new pups to care for, I find myself spending a lot of time just watching, checking, and observing the litter. I make sure they’re being well fed and kept clean, and that they seem content, which tells me their needs are being met.
At 11 days of age, I’m seeing just the beginning of their eyes opening. They have grown round and much stronger. They move more every day, stretching and exercising those young bodies in preparation for getting up off those bellies and standing on their legs to take their fist steps. I take time to hold and cuddle each one. I study their colors, how they react to being rolled on their backs and moved around. I want to see which ones are most easily disturbed by my handling and which seem willing to just go with the flow. Much of their temperament is inborn, and in helping people choose the right pup for their family I will need to get to know these pups intimately over the next few weeks.
With a dozen pups, you might think I’d tire of this daily routine, but even after each has been handled, I find myself sitting with a big silly grin just watching them. They aren’t just a litter. They are 12 individuals; each with different qualities. Some favor their Lab ancestors, some the Poodle. Most are a blend of the 2 that is unique. Their head shapes are different. Their noses are turning from newborn pink to black like their parents. Their cute little toes are growing nails, and the hair on their chins is filling in. Some have a ridge that runs across their muzzle just under their eyes. A couple have multiple ridges and much wider heads. Some already show waves in their short soft baby coats that tell me they will have a different coat type than their slick lab Mama. The large apricot male has a thin light stripe the runs over the top of his head down his spine. 2 of the blacks have tiny spots of white hair poking out on the front of their chins and a few white hairs between their toes. A couple are so light I wonder if they might be white.
This is a labor of love. It’s akin to counting the fingers and toes on a new human baby. These babies change and grow so quickly that I’m constantly fascinated by the subtle differences I see day to day. I wake up each morning eager to check on them. They never fail to surprise me with something I hadn’t noticed before or some new development as they mature. I feel so blessed to be able to experience this and to know that in time there will be families who will love and enjoy them as much as I do now for many years to come.
I have friends and family waiting eagerly for the pups to be ready to recieve visitors. They will have many loving hands to teach them about how precious they are and how nice it is to be pet and played with. While I do look forward to showing them off, I have to say it’s been nice to have this time alone with them as well. When they turn 3 weeks old, a select few visitors will be invited in to help socialize the pups. I want them to know there are many who will love them and that they are safe in those hands. The trust built in these early sessions will be the basis of how they will view the human race for the rest of their lives. What an awesome responsiblity we are given! What a unique treasure they are.
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