Maddie’s Puppies, Sixteen Days

Longer times between feedings this week mean that Maddie Mae is spending time relishing the sporadic warm weather in Boise.  We’ve had alternating snow flurries and warm temperatures and the dogs have welcomed the chance to greet their neighbor dog friends through the fences when the temperatures are comfortable.

Maddie’s puppies know nothing of all this.  They primarily nurse and sleep, nurse and sleep still, with short sessions of tumbling around mouthing each others’ ears or faces.  They’re attempting to stand, then they waver and collapse in a heap.

I love to watch them at this age.  They respond to everything as a group.  They might all be nuzzling one another and dozing.  Maddie arrives and peeks over the edge of the whelping box to assess things.  They rouse themselves.  They all begin squeaking like mice and she jumps in to nurse.  She often stands up to accommodate them, so they do whatever it takes to grab a spot; they scoot on their tummies (they’re fast!) wiggle, roll, take a few steps, dive and latch on.

The squeaking subsides as they each begin suckling, with a couple of late-comers carrying on, then just one, and finally quiet.  Maddie’s milk lets down and they all slow their sucking rhythm at once, filling themselves with her good milk. One by one they release their hold on the nipples.  Maddie licks their faces and rear ends and inspects them to be sure all is well. They might lazily paw one another and practice rolling about, but soon they’re all asleep again.

My waiting families always assume I’m manically busy caring for two litters, but often I’m sitting cross-legged next to the whelping box with a mug of tea and milk, chatting with Maddie and watching this drama unfold.  This sweet time will be over too soon.

Here is black and white Rollie:

And Ramsey, his black and white brother.

And Rosie.

Ruby.

And finally Ramona.

Maddie is a black and white Coton and she has had black and white puppies in every litter.  When Clancy is the sire, we’ve had small Clancy-looking puppies in the mix. The girls in this litter have coloring that reflects their daddy.

Puppy life is good!