Taylor-Maria Puppies: August 2008

As unbelievable as it may seem, those little stuffed animals have become movable, vocal puppies who are already climbing over each other and mom; moving about the whelping box, spreading out to sleep, and really showing their individual personalities. It will be interesting to see if my first impressions of them have any merit as they continue to develop.
Of the girls, pink collar is definitely vocal about everything. I actually think she will be the most outgoing of the entire litter. She will chirp during each tactile stimulation, chirp as she moves around the box, chirp just because she is a girl and wants to be heard. She is also the most active of the entire litter. Yellow is about the same size as pink (only 3 ozs less at 2lb, 13oz.) but much more feminine and quiet.
Of the boys, purple collar continues to have the largest presence-even though blue collar boy also weighs 3lbs now. He just appears to have more substance than the others and he is first at the milk wagon. He seems to take life as it unfolds for him. Red is very similar to him in attitude and today weighed in at 2lb, 12oz. Although blue collar boy has gained a great deal of weight this last week he is the cry-baby of the litter. He cries when he is in the corner-but doesn't try hard to find his way out. Then he walks the length of one side of the whelping box only to turn around and walk back-whimpering all the time. He will be the more needy child. Green collar boy is the smallest at 2lb, 7 oz and is the quietest of all; nothing phases him (not even his first nail clipping). His head does not appear as strong as red or purple. This past week had visitors from 2 to 'very mature' and he was never worried who held him, he was content to sleep.
Mom continues to be great. She thinks the pups need time together so-even though there is an x-pen around 3 sides of the whelping box (a wall makes the 4th side) to keep the others out-she pushes her way around the x-pen to spend quality time outside with the other adults and the tennis ball.
My wonderful neighbor, Christy and her adorable daughter, Gracie (whom you see in photos weekly) visited today with camera and video. Christy has the techno talent and will load the video she shot today. As I said, it's so remarkable to see how they are waltzing around. I'm thinking next week I'll be setting up romper room!!

The girls-Pink is watching you with mischief in her eye..

The boys: L-R: purple, red, blue, green

Boys: Purple and Red

The boys: green and blue

We'll need a new scale next week...

Boy purple is ready to soar...

Ready to earn his wings...

It's never too early to learn how to be a diva...

Mom is glad they're thinking about leaving early...

Nap time with a favorite pillow...

But nothing beats a puppy pile...

At one week, the pups are already beginning to reveal their personalities. I have begun the early neurological stimulation developed by the military to produce the 'Super Dog". Some pups are quiet with the different positions, some whine when placed on the wet, cool towel. Each day they adjust more and more to each other and to finding mom, wherever she may be.
Tia Maria (Taylor-Maria) has let the novelty of babies wear off. After my sleeping in the guest bedroom next to the whelping room, I finally returned to the master bedroom upstairs on Sunday; then on Monday, Tia Maria had left the whelping box (which has an x-pen around it) and came leaping onto my bed as if to say, "Let's cuddle and get some sleep" !!

Female: Pink
Weight: 1lb. 13 oz.