Three Weeks Old Today

The pups are delicious. They are starting to get curious. All are walking and climbing. They are interacting with each other. They especially like to be outside of the whelping box so for a period of time, we indulge.

The dark one is the most curious looking out of the x-pen etc

When they have had a full play session, they often find a soft cozy place to settle in and fall fast asleep. Mommy Fiona watches them always unless we drag her outside and that's only for a short stint.

It's hard to believe they are already 3 weeks old. It goes by way too fast. But I can't wait till they can go outside - play in the kitchen and enjoy life Talemaker Style.

This one is the most - I got to get to the food. Can you blame her?

Now that they are all settled in, it's time for my nap and then it starts again.

Stay tuned for the daily missives. They are changing daily... Who will be what tomorrow may be different - as it goes in the puppy world.

Puppy Lovin'

Something about getting up close and personal with the pups that Nathan does so well.

He climbs right into the x-pen and gets down to their level.

I do too but I am the camera taker so my view is via my lens.

The pups will be 3 weeks tomorrow and they are very mobile - walking, playing and even complaining when surrounded tightly with the entire pack.

Nathan had one of the pups on his lap outside of the x-pen and the crew came running.

No shaking - but made noises - as if to say - give me space. When space was made and each one said hello with kisses one at a time - no noises and even a lick.

Had my first bum cleanup with the pups and not a noise. I remember Wasabi's pups going - oh my what's that wet running down there?

This particular one - the cream one just went - this is fun. Then I put the blow dryer on her and rubbed it dry and she enjoyed that too. It's as if she loved the wind in her hair.

Today's photos - a bit of today....

Climb Out and Chillin'

The pups are climbing out of the whelping box on a regular basis so we are expanding their horizons by taking them out from time to time to larger pastures. Nathan is feverishly getting the upstairs room ready when they turn 4 weeks so they can go up at night and then come down in the morning. This allows us to clean both x-pens easily and gives them exposure to new environments. Now, someone has sat vigil over them all night.

We will start introducing a puppy pad and putting to whelping boxes together so they can climb from one to the other.

But till then, we have started taking them out on blankets/rugs/pads out of the box but in the x-pen and they are loving it. Here's a few snoozing photos from today below.

Click on any for a larger view.

This cutie is certainly dreaming of great adventures. I can just feel it!

This pair is settled in for a cuddle snooze!

Life is but a dream...can you just imagine it!

The last little beautiful gal is catching her zzzzzzz's.

Ah...they are doing wonderful!

Fiona's Messy Times

Every day Fiona gets thoroughly brushed but we feel it is important for you to see that they don't always look perfect.

Some would just show you the pretty pictures but puppy hood for canine mom and humans is a lot of work and there is clean up - weighing - cuddles - grooming and all that stuff.

We manage to balance it all and keep everything clean.

But gad love her, Fiona manages to balance it all. I am not sure how I do but hehehehe we have 3 extra show dogs till tomorrow so a nap may be in line with a flu like body symptom thing coming on but we will manage. We always do.

5 of the dogs groomed thus far and many more to go. This slide show created to show you some of last night pics and this morning. We hope you enjoy.

Puppies are starting to love the toys and are doing breakout all the time now so the whelping box may go till they can manage to get back in. Yeah..right - get back in.

Fiona is all but 9 lbs right now but seems to be eating quite well and filling with nourishment for the pups. She's still adoring the pups.

Pups are Playing With Toys & Each Other

The pups are playing with toys and walking around. It's WAY cute!

They keep strengthening their little legs and are now consistently climbing out of the whelping box to get Mommy.

Are we in trouble or what?

Got to get the video camera out. The fun begins...

Pups are Growing Up

It's tough when the human Daddy wants to give you snuggles and all you want to do is sleep.

The pups are walking and I mean walking today. It's sooooooo fun to watch and they have started playing with each other.

I can't get enough and it's better than watching them eat and sleep.

Oh boy - the fun begins.

Will have to take that video camera out and capture moments.

Fiona's Got an Upset Tummy

When the pups are feeding, mom must eat a great deal.

Fiona seems to have eaten something that didn't agree with her so we have eliminated the new stuff and back to the old.

Fiona is a picky eater on her best days so we indulge and she gets spoiled.

Then the pups go to their forever homes and she has to eat less. It's truly hard.

The pups are all getting very active. It's fun to watch. But they check out each other, their surroundings and then find Mommy and eat and then sleep.

It's such a tough life. heh

The pups are sleeping for a good chunk of time and that allows Fiona to relax as well.

Sometimes I sit there and stare at the pups like Fiona does and just notice how they have grown since they came into the world. This puppy business is truly amazing...truly!

We are Celebrating Two Weeks Old

They are starting to play with each other..though not elegantly. hehehehehe

12 Days and Counting

No - we are not down to 3. The way the whelping box is - if they crawl under the pig rails (the railings on the side), you can't take photo of them.

But I thought I would share this side by side view of this duo and the creme/apricot - getting brown on the muzzle gal is at the top.

So far I am really pleased with their heads. I am not sure any look like Fiona - including the creme but time will tell.

All of their eyes are open and they give kisses - yes kisses when you hold them close to your face. How wonderful is that??

12 Days Old and Changing Rapidly

All but one pup has their eyes open. It's amazing to see them already doing the drunken sailor walk.

The cream one who is rapidly changing colour in the face stands up to eat for a fair amount of time.

Fiona continues to be an amazing mom. She is soooooooooooooo proud.

Yvonne and Alex took such good care of them and we missed them madly. In return we may be watching their crew for a couple of weeks. Yvonne's crew and ours get along ever so well.

The pups - well they are making all sorts of noises including tiny barks. Fiona keeps them ever so clean and well cared for. I do believe she is still in awe.

The crew is continuing to grow and I can't wait till the last one's eyes open up. How amazing that with each day more and more changes occur.

Growth and Eyes

We are told that the little ones have a slit open - so eyes open today? Time will tell. We can't wait.

We are also told that there is a HUGE difference from the day we left to today. Well - we will be posting photos tomorrow and you tell me.

Wish we were home now but we have packing to do and a show to do.

Treasure won a bed for the pups...now how cool is that?

Puppies are Growing

The puppies are continue to grow - eat well - give poor Fiona hickeys ad make sure they survive. heh

They are pretty much about them at this stage.

Can you imagine if life was just about you?

Soon their eyes will be open and and an entire new world will open up.

Personally - I can't wait!!

9 Days Old & Growing

Heard that Fiona was sooooooooo excited to see Yvonne and Alex. Pups are doing well - giving hickeys still. She's - Fiona is eating up a storm for Yvonne - yum tripe!

She doesn't seem to mind Yvonne's crew around. That's a good thing.

Dennis - our son is doing night time duty and Yvonne during the day.

Can't wait till their eyes open...soon...

8 Days Old

The pups are now 8 days old and growing quite well. Colours are changing - no black and whites despite looking like it initially.

Fiona is now eating well thanks to Yvonne - tripe - ever smell that stuff? - well yum for a dawg. She actually started eating well just before we left. We think the pups are demanding food and her body has to eat to create the milk supply.

Fiona has never been a big eater - 9 lbs if she is lucky. But she is learning to eat now.

They also are totally strong suckers right from the start. Gad - I adore the puppies!

A Whole Week Old

My does time fly. I can't believe a week ago I was up over 36 hours as Fiona was feverishly nesting getting ready for her pups and now they are 7 days old.

Fiona continues to be a great mom. The pups are growing and soon their eyes will be open.

I can't wait till they are mobile.

Yvonne's going to be taking care of them till we get back but I will be on the telephone daily so I can update you.

You won't miss the updates but you will miss the latest pics but Yvonne will be taking a photo each day and I will update the photos with a slide so you do not miss a thing.

Me...well I don't want to miss a thing so this is tough for me. We had this planned before we knew of this adventure and Yvonne came to the rescue. Me -I was just going to send Nathan and cancel. So..this is new but I would trust my dogs or my life with Yvonne so off we go. Watch for more updates tomorrow.

Mother's Role

When someone has pups, it is normal for the mom to protect her babies.

Treasure is highly curious but so is Wasabi and Risa.

They would love to be in checking them out close and personal but that's not allowed till they get older and when Fiona relaxes.

She relaxes when we are showing them but not when they try to get so close that she feels that they may be in harm's way.

Fiona is getting better though. At first she didn't want the pack in the same room. Now she is realizing that behind the x-pen, her beautiful babies are not in harm's way.

All her pups are thriving and I am glad her first time around that she only had 4. Fiona comes from a line that usually has 6 or 7 but this is a manageable size for a first time mom.

They all have tummies. They all continue to grow and Fiona remains attentive.

I know I said it before but she is truly amazing. Our only issue with her is to get her to eat enough but that's been something we have always had to do with her.

More colour is peeking through on the ones that appear black and white. She will not have any that are true black and whites, I am afraid. Most interesting.

Puppies - nothing like them.

Home Sweet Home

We try to make our moms really comfie in their environment.

Fiona's x-pen is right next to my desk. She has a crate with a blanket over to give her the feeling of being in a den.

Her human dad has placed her fave bed at the entrance of the whelping box.

The idea is to make them feel comfortable.

Today I weighed the pups (all gained), took photos - massaged Fiona and groomed her as I do daily. I also held the pups and went oh my - their tummies are getting round. She's feeding them well.

The pups are now 4 days old. Has it really been 4 days?

Havanese Puppy Heaven

Each day I take out all the bands from Fiona's hair - brush and comb her out thoroughly and put them all back in.

She gets messy looking easily as you can see in the photo. She most often looks a mess. But for hours after I groom her - well she looks like my Fiona without a care in the world. Her Daddy would say - ahem - she looks like MY Fiona.

But she loves the grooming time.

She has also allowed herself time to be away from the pups when they are quiet. She's not as frantic. She doesn't want to be far. She won't let the other dogs near her babies but she also wants the "I count" in her life. I 'get' that!

Beyond grooming, feeding, weighing pups and cleaning - what else is there? We condition the pups to being touched. We make sure Fiona knows she is amazing. We also must clean her diligently. They can have a discharge for up to 2.5 weeks. It's my usual to clean her each time she goes outside and every time I pick her up.

These pups suck like no tomorrow as I am always protecting hickey marks - catching them before they become issues.

She's so gentle with them. It's wonderful to watch.

You can click on any of the photos in our areas to see larger views.

Today she is allowing Abigail, Shoshi, and Wasabi to be in the room where the pups are - my office. Not in the actual pen but outside of it. She's relaxing but not enough that she lets her guard down.

I think I have bragged before that she's such a great mom but it's absolutely true!

Early Morning Exercises

Okay - they are too young but doesn't this gal look like she is touching her toes?

We moved Fiona and the pups down to my office.

Nathan was afraid they would be too cold - but not so in this office - plus we have a heat lamp.

I have Treasure in this room so the gal in heat can be watched without 3 of us managing everyone.

We still have to rotate when Treasure needs to go outside but now I can work - watch a TV larger than a thumbnail - well not that bad and be close enough to do laundry - eat and all sorts of things you take for granted.

Thanks to our son who walked the dogs last night a couple at a time with Nathan taken those he didn't.

He even managed to get Whitney around the block and do the night duty with Fiona and the pups while I took most of the gals and Nathan took most of the boys for the first solid sleep.

Pups are all 3 days old now. Does time fly. They are all gaining or maintaining and we are weighing them twice a day. We will go to once a day on the 7th day mark.

What tidbit do I know about the pups? The cream/gold one eats the longest of all the pups.

A Mother's Love

I look at Fiona and my heart melts - truly. She looks at those pups as if to say - Mommy - Daddy - look what I did and they are mine!

She gently kisses and cleans them and nudges them and just stares at them.

They can't make a peep without her running to their side to make sure they are perfectly happy.

So, I groom her where she can watch the puppies.
I take all her ponytails out, clipping them with scissors as it is easier - brush out and put them all back in.

Fiona is such a tiny thing - she's back to her 9 lbs. I make sure she gets a massage each day and lots of snuggles and I tell her how wonderful she is in so many ways.

Anyone who has had babies knows the toughest part of being mom is not counting in the equation. For us, it is important that she knows she is amazing and by doing so - she rises to that level of security that is important for 1st time moms.

Oh, I did it with Wasabi who had a litter previous but that first time mom - well you never know how it will turn out and Fiona IS AMAZING.

Pups are getting tummies. The cream has gold in it. The one black appearing one has brown and white - the other seems to be not black at all - just appearing so at this stage. Oh and they have white socks like great grandma, Risa.

They appear to be the strongest little things you ever did see...not wanting for nothing.

Ah...puppies again!

Fiona Resting

As a first time mom, Fiona is beyond amazing.

It's tough getting her out to groom her but I manage to once a day. You have to make her get out of the whelping box to eat and do her business but all the while she is frantic to get back. They make a peep and she is right there.

She hasn't been sleeping - just taking cat naps but today she is snoozing and feeding at the same time. She is learning to get rest. That's a good thing.

All the pups gained an ounce and 1 is holding its weight since 12 hours ago. This means they are getting plenty of nourishment. 3 are at 8 ounces and one at 7.

We will still be diligent but we can relax as we don't have to worry about them getting sufficient nourishment.

Fiona is ever so careful not to lay or step on them or even lose one behind her - which is quite normal for first timers.

Their cords have fallen off and they are crawling up a storm here to there.

One of the blacks has tan/cream coming in and the other has a lightening in the roots - could it be silver? Hmm - time will tell.

Update on Pups/Weights

This was taking this afternoon after 32 hours since their debut.

As you can see, Fiona has been cleaned up. She has her hair in ponytails everywhere to keep the hair off the babies. She no longer has that bloody or green tinge. Mom has a bloody discharge that can usually last up to 2 weeks and that has to be cleaned up whenever you notice.

I completely line comb her daily and then put the ponytails back in but looking for a way to avoid that when Yvonne comes in to watch them next week. I know - maybe just say - let the hair go to hay. It grows back. heh.

Fiona is a mom who just won't leave them alone. They peep - she's in there and she rarely gets out except to drink or nibble.

But because of this, she has a couple of hickeys on her mammary glands that we are catching early and watching how pups grasp on. I never saw a crew so solid on their latching on right from the start.

Good news. All pups - and I checked twice and even put something else in the scale to see if the scale was broken are 7 ounces. That's up from 3 pups at 5 ounces and 1 at 6 ounces. A couple of them lost an ounce at different times - the sable and the cream/gold but they soon made up for it. This is normal but you still worry. Ask Nathan - he worries the most. :-)

Mom doesn't appear to have milk but we think it's due to them sucking her dry. Their little tails are going back and forth as they usually do when they are getting filled up from a feeding and they are not crying except when they are squirming their way to mom.

The pups are doing well. I may even name them and let them get new names. Ideas..send them my way.

24 Hour Fiona Pups and Wasabi's Pups

Here's a picture of the pups 24 hours old.

The white looking one is not white at all - but cream and apricot like mom. One black looking has brown/rust patches here and there and another black you can see brown overtones in the colour so they will be surprises colour wise as they progress.

I can't believe all girls. usually this is a boys house but Fiona always manages to do it up different.

Pups are lively - maintaining or gaining. One lost an ounce but gained it back - which is usual waiting for the milk to come in.

Fiona seems to have milk in her lower nipples but not sure about the tops. They are either sucking her dry or it's just starting to come in but not like gangbusters - a slow process of filling up - different than Wasabi who had so much she was dripping.

Pups are not crying and are sleeping in between feeding. That means they are getting nourishment. Nathan worries always. I try to be the steady hand at all this so we balance each other out.

Fiona is an amazing mom. I wasn't sure with her as she wasn't all that maternal with Wasabi's but she is now. She still looks at them in awe. It's amazing to watch.

Fiona is my 9 lbs if she is lucky gal. She's a tiny thing who already has her championship and loves to scat in the ring. It's a riot.

I am proud of her.

Missy - a Wasabi pup was swimming yesterday. We already had the pups swimming so this was great. At least at this stage there isn't too much brushing.

One of the pups loves to traipse with the kids - Chewy - another is bonding with Fidel - another we haven't heard from except initially from the Kitchener area - another is on a trip to California come Saturday - how lucky of her. I want to climb into that travelling bag - well maybe not. I would miss the pups. But still...

1st 12 Hours Fiona Pups

This is what a mom goes through - mess and all when delivering. We clean her up and the pups but its a lot of work and a mess to clean up. As usual - we try to show you it all so you know what mom goes through and us. We don't just show you the pretty pix.

More on Fiona....Still Less Than 24 Hours Old

Poor Fiona - a tad bit of a mess - hair tied every way 6 ways to Sunday but she is so good at being mom. It's as if she says - wow - I did this!!

Pups are 1 6 ounces - other 3 5 ounces - not small as suspected.

One was breach - the first one and she did scream a curdling cry many times - my poor heart listening and trying to help. She would push it out and you could see a tail wagging them bring it back in. It hurt but as soon as Nathan got the sack off, the gal was moving unbelievably looking for a nipple. The rest all came out relatively fast and all very active.

All placentas made it out. No tummy on the Fiona - a real light weight now. Now we are concentraing on getting her milk in and we are really doing well.

Fiona will only let Wasabi near her and Wasabi is sooooooo excited to see the pups. I wish she would let Treasure near her but she won't. That would help with the maneuvering we have to do with Treasure in heat.

If Kat barks one more time... Well, anyone with a male intact and females intact and you are not using him or sending him out - well it's ^&*( crazy.

More latere. have to get up and relieve Nathan. He has night time duty. Thanks to our son for handling the boy...Kat.

Fiona's Pups

4 gals born early this morning starting at 445. She started panting at 10pm yesterday.

1 black has brown evident in him and the other we are not sure yet.

Fiona was such a great trooper despite the first one was breach and she was loudly voicing she wasn't happy with the feeling. The rest cme without much of a peep.

More later...no sleep here!

Missy Goes to Her Forever Home and Fiona's Pups Coming Soon

Well, Missy was the last to be washed - the last to go to her forever home.

She had a night here alone without the pack mates.

Dear old human Daddy brought her into bed at 4am as she whimpered missing the others and immediately fell fast asleep.

We will miss this crew as they have been truly amazing - each and everyone in different ways.

I can't begin to tell you how much I miss them but we are hoping they are loved and adored as deeply as we fell.

Missy went to a dear friend and her husband and they waited a year for her to make her debut. She's travelling all the way to Montreal and should be home anytime now.

She had a car seat and I am dying to find out how that went.

After settling in, we hope to hear how the duo is doing.

Fiona's temp has dropped so look for pups any day now. Usually it's 24 hours after the temps drop but Fiona has yet to follow any rules.

We will post details when we know.

Saki is Travelin'

Well, Saki is the 2nd to last to go.

She wasn't crazy about the drying but is starting to get the routine.

She's a true pistol and we know once she has settled in, her family is going to love her!

You ought to see her gorgeous travelling bag.

Saki will be heading out with her family to California for a visit.

Some dawgs have all the luck - I tell ya.

I was trying to figure out how I could hide in that bag too. Lucky gal!!

We got to say goodbye - take a photo of her new family.

It's getting so quiet here.

Treasure and Missy are sleeping in the x-pen and having a real snooze after them coming back in from a big play session.

I am about to wash a dog or two and see if Fiona's puppies are ready to make their debut. I am still hoping for Tuesday afternoon - late but we can't plan these things.

Stay tuned!

Last Two Chillin

Just thought I would post a photo of the last two and what they are doing after a big day of play.

Tomorrow we will be down to one.

Then we will be doing Fiona pups any day or so they say...

You've Got to be Kidding!

Yet another puppy goes home today. It's getting to be quiet around this place...empty arms.

It was Pierre's turn to go home today and he had a bath this morning. I titled this in such a way as that is what he looked like he was saying.

Pierre is going home to another Havanese called Fidel and he rather fit well with his new partner in crime.

The duo will be a force to be reckoned with, I am sure.

The duo seems to be a great fit and we look forward to hearing how the transition goes.

This is Pierre's new family. I am sure they will have a roaring good time with this pair!

It's getting rather empty around this place and Fiona was taken out on a car ride to see if that would kick start things but it didn't. I am sure it's one of those old wives' tales.

Stay tuned. Saki goes tomorrow and Missy on Tuesday. Then the office goes back to just that till Fiona's pups are 4 weeks and we do it all again. Till 4 weeks, they will be upstairs in our whelping room getting coddled and loved by those of us that get no sleep. heh